Helen “Eleni“ Kardasis, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the age of 88.
Eleni was born in Mystras Sparta, Greece to Theodoros and Paraskevi Moutzouros. Her family experienced challenging times during the Great Depression, the Nazi occupation, and the Greek Civil War. She immigrated to Chicago in 1955 and – through her faith and hard work – lived the American Dream.
Eleni is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Theodore, and her children Christ (Alexandria), James, Stacy (John), and Perry (Marie Cynthia). Loving Grandmother to Theodore, Maria Eleni, William, Alexander, Theodore, Alexios, and Peter.
Eleni was married to Theodore Kardasis on April 23, 1961 in Chicago and started their own family. With only a sixth-grade education, she appreciated the value of education and culture and instilled this philosophy in her four children, all of whom obtained advanced degrees.
Eleni enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers and vegetables. She loved to travel to her hometown of Mystras during the summer months and to toil with her olives, lemons and oranges.
Her family and the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Community in Chicago were very near and dear to her heart. Eleni was a member of the Philoptochos Society and the Daughters of Penelope and enjoyed singing and dancing to Greek folk music. As a doting mom and grandmother, she regularly attended school activities. She had a big heart for people in need and was always willing to help. Eleni was selfless, driven, courageous, loving, virtuous, and proud of her family and Spartan heritage. Eleni was adored by her children and she was a loyal and lifelong friend to many.
A private service will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview on January 30. You may watch remotely online at www.ssppglenview.org. starting at 12:00pm. She will be laid to rest at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church for the Helen Kardasis Memorial Scholarship Fund. c/o St. Demetrios, 2727 W. Winona, Chicago, IL 60625.
May her memory be eternal.