Helen Vanides

Helen Vanides (nee Regas) October 15, 1935 – March 4, 2026

Helen Vanides (nee Regas) passed away peacefully at Englewood Hospital on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Helen was born on October 15, 1935, in New York, New York to the late Nicholas Regas and Angulina Regas (nee Katsafouros), both deceased. She had two younger siblings: Maria Regas, and Paul Regas (deceased). Helen spoke fondly of her memorable childhood, which included many friends, school, summers in Tottenville with extended family, and her involvement with St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.

In 1952, she met Homer Vanides at a church event and he became the great love of her life. The two wed on June 10, 1956, and remained happily married for almost 70 years until she passed away with Homer by her side. Their love was truly one for the ages.

Helen and Homer welcomed their first daughter, Daria Voorhees-DeLong, in November 1957. The family moved from New York to Englewood, New Jersey in 1959. In 1968, their second daughter, Dina Vanides Christoffers, was born. The family became members of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian once it opened. Helen attended Church nearly every Sunday until her health declined and, together with Homer, cultivated many friendships through their church involvement. Helen was an active member of the Kali Parea and a regular volunteer at the annual Festival.

Helen worked at Barnard College for 49 years beginning as a clerk in the Bursar's Office at age 17 and eventually rising to Director of Budget and Planning, the position from which she retired in 2002.

A voracious reader, Helen regularly read over 100 books in a single year. She loved the beach, spending time in Belmar, Long Branch, Wildwood and most frequently, in Greece– more than a dozen times with Homer. They also traveled to other destinations such as Spain (where her sister, Maria, resides), Morocco, and Portugal. Helen hosted countless holiday gatherings, creating cherished memories with family and friends through her warmth and generosity.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Homer, and their children, Daria (David, deceased) and Dina (Keith); by grandchildren, Samantha and Warren (Lindsey), Angelina and Sophia, and by Blair, Heather, Shannon and Sarah, by 7 great-grandchildren, and by her beloved sister, Maria, all of whom loved her and will miss her dearly.

Helen will be remembered for her strength, wit, and faith; as a devoted wife to Homer, as a fiercely protective and caring mother to her children, as a warm, loving and generous grandmother and great-grandmother, and as a loyal and caring aunt, cousin, niece, Godparent, and friend to her extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washinghton Avenue., Dumont, NJ 07628 .

Funeral Service will be held at St. John The Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 353 E Clinton Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:30am.

Interment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Donations in her honor may be made to the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey, or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.