KARYS, Helen Age 85, of West Roxbury, passed away at home surrounded by her family on September 12, 2023. Loving Aunt of Pamela Pappas Clarkin and her husband Michael of Newington, NH, Valerie Erdekian and her husband James of Wayland, John P. Pappas and his wife Cathryn of West Roxbury, Peter C. Pappas of West Roxbury, April Campbell and her husband Bob, Christine Sobenes and her husband Jeremiah, Lisa Karys Schiff and her husband David, John Karys (deceased) and Franklin Karys, all of California. She was adored by her great nieces and nephew - Alexandra, Elena, Nicole, Olivia, Nicholas, Chelsea, Emma, and Ava. Helen is also survived by many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was the sister of the late Rose Pappas, Chris Karys, and Arthur Karys. Helen was raised in Boston by her parents, the late John C. and Vasiliki (Tsami) Karatasakis (Karys) who immigrated to the United States from Greece. She grew up in Roxbury and Roslindale before moving to West Roxbury.
After graduating from Roslindale High School in 1956 Helen became an accomplished hairdresser. She was known to her clients as “Colette” and worked on Newbury Street for more than fifty years. She loved the arts, was an avid reader and traveler, and enjoyed summers at her home in Falmouth, Cape Cod where she created many lasting memories. Helen will always be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, dedication to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and appreciation of all things Greek – especially baking. Everyone who came to know and love Helen enjoyed her sense of humor, style, and ability to throw a great party.
Visiting hours at the P.E. Murray – F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St., West Roxbury on Sunday, September 17th from 2-6pm. Funeral on Monday, September 18th at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Parker and Ruggles Street, Boston at 10:30am - please go directly to the church. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment at Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s Memory to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England Preservation Fund, 162 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA 02445. For directions and guestbook, pemurrayfuneral.com.