Helen Tornik

Helen Sophia Tornik passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, one day prior to her 76th birthday. She was an alumna of South High School in Columbus City Schools, graduating in 1967. Helen pursued her Bachelor of Science in Education degree at The Ohio State University, where she dedicated 25 years of her professional life to teaching in the Columbus City Schools before having to take disability retirement due to the impact of Parkinson's disease. Her passion for music manifested from a young age, as she played the violin in her high school symphony and continued to nurture this passion as a member of her church choir, where she loved singing with her choir family.

Helen Tornik was a steadfast adherent of her Greek Orthodox faith with Holy Week and Pascha (Greek Easter) being her favorite services of the liturgical year. Her strong faith enabled her to accept the physical limitations she dealt with over her later years of life. She had a uniquely stubborn perseverance and determination to live out her faith the very best she could. Even when her hands stopped fully cooperating, she was resolute in her purpose to keep creating the intricate knots of the prayer rope.

Having been a lifelong member of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, OH, Helen gave richly through her many talents. Pursuant with her love of teaching, she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She had a sweetness and a purehearted grace that shone most when she was helping others in their journey of faith, especially during the many years she managed the Cathedral Bookstore and taught adult catechism classes. She was a sponsor to several adults seeking baptism and Chrismation into the Orthodox faith. Helen's life of prayer is beautifully reflected in a golden booklet of Holy Communion Prayers she lovingly prepared for her church family.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, William and Christina Tornik. She is survived by relatives in the Chicago area: John Murton, John Koulias, Nick Koulias and Bill Koulias and in the Columbus area: Joe (Carol) Zanetos and Ted (Veta) Leakas. She is also survived by her Goddaughter Chloe Poustovoi in Texas (whose visit to her this past year lifted her spirits) and many dear friends in the Columbus area.

Calling hours will be held Monday, November 24, 2025 at 9:30 am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (555 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215) followed by her funeral service at 10:30 am officiated by Rev. Fr. Demetrios Gardikes, Proistamenos and Cathedral Dean. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.

Donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. May her memory be eternal.