Helen Protopappas

October 2, 1933 - November 9, 2022

Helen Protopappas passed away peacefully on November 9, 2022 at the age of 89.

She was the loving mother of John (Carrie), Patricia and Cleopatra Protopappas; Yiayia to Nicolas, Jamison, Stacey and Antonis. She is survived by her siblings Sylvia Liu (Arthur) and Katerina Kontou as well as many treasured nieces, nephews and cousins; and beloved her late siblings Maria, Charalambos, and Konstantinos. Helen was born in Chania, Crete, Greece to Ioannis and Athena Chiladakis on October 2, 1933.

Helen was fiercely devoted to her family. Her grandchildren provided her with so much joy. Naturally beautiful, she was blessed with an elegant style and grace.

She expressed her love of family and friends through her cooking and baking. For over 34 years, she faithfully prepared Sunday dinners for family and friends.

Helen was proud of her U.S citizenship which she obtained in 1965. In 1970, upon returning to the U.S., as a single mother with three young children, she was hired by Breuners Furniture as an interior decorator and home furnishings consultant. She was employed at Breuners for 33 years. In her children and grandchildren, she instilled values of honesty, hard work, loyalty, and fairness.

She had a strong business sense, a keen ability to connect with people, and lived an impressively principled life.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, November 18, 2022 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension located at 4700 Lincoln Avenue Oakland, CA. Intermnet Mt. View Cemetery, Oakland, CA.

May her memory be eternal.

For further information call, Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745). Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services, 510-522-6020.