Helen J. Cacheris

– Helen Jaffurs Cacheris was born in a suburb of Pittsburgh on August 27, 1924. Initially christened “Metaxa,” she was the second child and first daughter born to her parents James and Marie

Jaffurs (née Vrettakos) both of whom had emigrated from Sparta, Greece. As a child, Metaxa was called

“Helen” after Helen of Troy, and at age 16 she officially changed her name to Helen. One of seven siblings, she had four brothers who predeceased her: John (a gifted athlete who played college and professional football), William (a doctor), Carl (a

Naval officer), and Alexander (a prominent lawyer and mayor of their hometown). Her two surviving sisters, Elizabeth Olson and Linda Thurston (an entrepreneur) still reside in the Pittsburgh area. After a long and full life, Helen, age 98, passed peacefully on February 6, 2023.

As a child, Helen was often called upon to look after her younger siblings and cousins when her parents, aunts and uncles were away. It may well have been this early experience caring for others that established her deep sense of responsibility, maturity, and affinity for others. As a teenager, she also worked in her parents’ restaurants and cinema. Helen was known to be immensely capable and unflappable well into her later years.

After graduating from Wilkinsburg High School outside of Pittsburgh, Helen attended Carnegie Tech, now known as Carnegie Mellon University. Helen was active in many college organizations, including her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Panhellenic Council, and others. Helen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 1946, eventually becoming a Registered Dietician. It was on a blind date at Carnegie Tech that Helen met John Cacheris, eight years her senior. John, who was also of Greek ancestry, had returned to school for his master’s degree in Engineering.

After graduation, Helen interned at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, and commuted back and forth to Washington, D.C. while dating the tall, handsome John. They wed in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony in Pittsburgh in 1947, and settled in Washington, D.C.

Helen continued to advance in her career and held increasingly important positions. At age 26, she was employed as Chief of the Menu Planning Branch in the Office of the Quartermaster General for the Army and Air Corps which required her to plan all meals for the Armed Forces. This involved planning menus six months ahead, taking into consideration supply

PHOENIX

and other logistical issues, and determining whether what looked good on paper could be achieved in the field. She was awarded a Department of the Army Commendation for Meritorious Civilian Service for her work.

As a young, attractive woman in a male dominant workplace, Helen was a novelty. She was frequently featured in various publications such as The Washington Post and well-known national magazines such as Life, Colliers, and others. She was often interviewed on television and shared the speaker’s dais with General Eisenhower. In 1952, Helen was named one of Mademoiselle magazine’s Top Ten Women of the Year. She received many other awards over her lifetime, including Carnegie Mellon’s Alumni Achievement Award.

Helen and John had two children, Christopher John in 1954, and Elaine Marie in 1955. When their children were young, Helen and John relocated to Phoenix where John was a Senior Engineer with Motorola until his retirement. Helen took a break from her career when her children were young. As a family they engaged in many outdoor activities, enjoying camping, hiking, white water rafting and desert picnics. Helen later returned to work as a dietician and served on various professional boards throughout her career.

Living in Arizona, Helen and John embraced the Southwest and were active in various clubs and organizations promoting the culture and lore of the area. Helen was a docent at The Phoenix Art Museum, and the nationally recognized Heard Museum featuring Native American art and culture, as well as the Desert Botanical Garden. A lifelong over-achiever, she remained active in her sorority for many decades, was a member of several book and bridge clubs, and volunteer organizations.

An avid cook, Helen greatly enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She especially liked baking Greek pastries and making homemade pasta with her grandchildren. Above all, her family will remember YiaYia for her lifelong devotion to them.

Helen is survived by her son Christopher Cacheris (Jan), daughter Elaine Cacheris (Bruce Hiler) grandchildren Christopher Cacheris (Amanda), Catherine Mayhew (Brad), Craig Cacheris, and Holland Hiler, as well as great grandchildren Beverly Cacheris, Christopher Cacheris Jr, Joan Cacheris, and Helene Mayhew.

There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Helen at 11:30 am on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at The Hermosa Inn, 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.