Obituary of Helen M. Karris

Helen Karris, 80, passed away on Thursday morning, December 16, 2021. Helen is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Gus Karris, her parents, Dimosthenis and Ioulia Mandragonis, her siblings, George Mandras, Elisavet Tsatsaronis, Athanasios Mandragonis, and Alexandra Maroulis.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Emmy Karris and Julia Karris Scordalakes, son-in-law, Constantine Scordalakes and grandchildren, Eleni Scordalakes and George Scordalakes. Helen was a loving and dedicated mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, and friend.

Helen was born in Paparousi, Greece on August 6, 1941. She and Gus moved to the United States and eventually settled in Charlotte, NC. She was a fabulous cook and loved cooking with her husband for everyone. Her famous spanakopita recipe has been passed on and is a family favorite. Family meant the world to her and she would do anything for them, especially her girls. She supported them through everything, including attending every single academic and sporting event. She was there every step of the way, motivating her children to be successful. Helen was a math whiz and super witty, always coming up with a clever comment to make everyone laugh. She loved her grandchildren who would always bring a smile to her face. Most of all, she was the rock of the family, always strong both physically and emotionally, providing love and encouragement, despite the challenges she faced in her own life. She would move mountains to help out when she could, making sacrifices and always giving motivational advice and support.

A special thank you to all her caregivers and support network, including Melly and Nino, who took care of her over the past three years, her patient advocate Kelly, the wonderful individuals at the Ivey for making her smile and dance, and the medical staff at Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their loving care and support over the past few months.

Visitation for Mrs. Karris will be held Monday, December 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Family is in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Pews Restoration Fund or to Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park.