Helen O Graham

WARREN- With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen O. Graham, age 92, recently of Clearview Lantern Assisted Living, on January 28, 2025. Helen was born January 25, 1933, to George and Chrisoula (Tsavlopoulos) Orfanos on the island of Fourni, Greece. She was the last of five children and the only daughter. Everyone doted on her as she did them. Her early life was idyllic. Her parents and brothers spoiled her. She had many fond memories of that time. Unfortunately, a series of events brought the wonderful times to a halt. With the onset of World War II, her life changed. There were many stories of German and Italian soldiers during her school years. Helen's family struggled as most families did. Her father lost the use of his hand and could not work. A brother passed away with a heart defect at the age of 14. The other brothers tried to provide food for the family. Her mother, who she cherished until the very end, fell ill to the same heart defect. Most of the household chores fell on her young shoulders and these lessons would serve her well later on. Helen married John Graham in 1952 and immigrated to the United States in 1954 with her young son. It was here that Helen and John proudly succeeded in what they considered their greatest accomplishment as parents- the education of their three children. She leaves behind Dr. James (Claudia) Graham, Chrissie (Stelio) Katsaros, George (Kaliopi) Graham; grandchildren Elenie and Emmanuel (Melissa) Katsaros, Dr. John (Michaela) Graham, Dr. Michael (Mariah Aivazis) Graham, Daphne (Charles) Bucci and Yanni Graham. She was also Yiayia Helen to Alexandria, Stelios, Demi and Jimmy. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law in Greece, Katina Orfanou, Stella Orfanou and Anna Orfanou, several cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were husband, John, her parents, brothers Demetri, Marko, Kosta and Michali, and mother-in-law Katherine Graham who lived with the family. The ancient Greeks had King Midas and the Graham family had Helen. Everything she touched was golden. Her flower beds and garden were the best. She sewed (making her own patterns) and made every one of her grandchildren's first Halloween costumes. She knitted, crocheted, embroidered, cross-stitched, making beautiful pieces of art. Many households in Warren and on Fourni had handmade wreaths on their door. But she was best known for her cooking and baking. Her recipes are in demand and there are always comments about her various pastries. As long as she could, she made loukoumades (Greek donuts) for the church. Helen also loved a variety of things- reading history books and National Geographic, she loved having company at her home (and made sure they were fed). She loved travelling to her beloved island of Fourni and usually tagged along with her daughter (even inviting herself to her daughter's 25th anniversary trip! It was a party of 3!). Her greatest travel wish came true in 2007 when Helen (and Chrissie) took a tour through Italy. She loved, loved casinos and playing cards with friends and family, but was a very vocal and sore loser. She loved children and after being widowed at an early age, she became a nanny for several families in the area. But above all Helen loved and adored her family and tried in every way she could to make their lives easier and better. Friends will be received on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 10am to 11am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 429 High Street NE, Warren where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Father Costa Valantasis officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations can be made to St Demetrios Philoptochos Society, 429 High Street NE, Warren, OH 44481 where she was a loyal and beloved member for 70 years. The Graham family would like to thank the Clearview Lantern staff for the care and devotion they provided for their mother. Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330- 394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen, please visit our floral store.