Helen "Eleni" Zarefakis
Helen "Eleni" Zarefakis
Obituary
Guest Book
Helen Zarefakis Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Many people knew Eleni as she was a proud member and employee of Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church for over 25 years - offering her service for 10 years as the church's secretary and her devotion for 26 years as a parishioner. She was active both on and off the clock and continued to offer her service even after her diagnosis of cancer.
When Eleni wasn't offering her support, she was offering her time to be spent with those she adored the most - her family. Her love for her family was apparent in the way her spirit illuminated when she talked about them. They were her greatest joy and she was truly a proud matriarch.
Eleni Zarefakis was called home on October 20th, 2025 after a courageous battle against acute leukemia. She is survived by her loving family: mother - Mary Bailey, husband - Mathew Zarefakis, children - Anastasia Cook, Maria Zarefakis, Demitrios Zarefakis and Iakovos Zarefakis, her grandchildren who she adored: Eleni Cariati, Syrus Cook, Skyler Cook and Mila Zarefakis; as well as the spouses of her children/bonus children: Shalen Cook and Annie Cunningham.
Her memory will carry on as her love will continue to be felt by those who have been blessed with her presence.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. - Matthew 5:4
Eleni's services will be held at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, November 6th, starting at 6 p.m for the Trisagion. The funeral will take place on Friday, November 7th at 11 a.m with the Makaria to follow. Thereafter, Eleni will be laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Alice Piscopos
November 3, 2025
Dearest, beautiful cousin Nina, I'm heartbroken and in disbelief that you were taken from this earthly world so prematurely. It's been 50 years since you and your beloved parents moved to California. Countless precious memories of unforgettable moments being together every holiday and almost every weekend are forever etched in my mind and in my heart. Then life happened, and we sadly and unfortunately lost touch. Two years ago, when I first heard about your illness, I reached out to you, but I guess it wasn't meant to be, and I'm so terribly sad about that. I had so many things to talk to you about, and I had hoped to rekindle our relationship. Perhaps it will materialize in our next heavenly life. Until then, rest peacefully, sweet cousin, and know that you touched so many lives and are loved deeply by all who knew you, including me. My sincerest and most heartfelt sympathies to your loving family. You will be so sorely missed. Love from my whole heart.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home
October 24, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
14165 Beckman Road P.O. Box 1000, Lodi, CA 95240
Make a Donation
in Helen Zarefakis's name
People and places connected with Helen
Recent Obituaries
How to support Helen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Zarefakis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
