Helen Zachario, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side, at the age of 103, on February 8, 2026. Helen lived a life dedicated to her family, years of volunteer service to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles and the community.

Helen was born September 22, 1922, in Los Angeles to Greek immigrants John and Olympia Caras. She attended Audubon Junior High and graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1941. Upon graduation Helen attended the Marinello School of Beauty earning her cosmetology certificate. After practicing cosmetology for a couple of years, Helen wanted a change. She attended radio operator training in Kansas City and after completion, she worked for Western Airlines at Los Angeles Airport. However, working the graveyard shift was not the best situation, so Helen went back to cosmetology.

In spring of 1948, she met Bill Zachario and after a brief courtship, they married on September 5, 1948. It was a partnership that lasted 63 years, until Bill's death in 2012. They raised two children, Gus and Olympia.

Helen faithfully attended Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and was a dedicated volunteer. She spent many hours making and serving Greek sweets at the Easter Picnic, Greek Independence Day, and other festivals at the Cathedral. Helen was also a member of the Coffee Committee that served coffee and cookies after Sunday service.

Helen's volunteerism also encompassed the community. She dedicated over 30 years of service working in the LAC+USC Medical Center Women's Hospital Gift Shop and comforting preemie babies (premature birth).

Faith and family were the center of her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, quiet demeanor, never seeking recognition.  She will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

Helen loved spending time with her grandchildren. Helping with their care and watching them grow into adults. She also enjoyed seeing her great-grandchildren when they visited from Texas. They affectionately referred to her as the "other Yia Yia". A term she thought was sweet.

Helen Zachario is survived by her children Gus (Peggy), Olympia (George); her grandchildren Jason (Angela), Joshua (Janet), Nick (Emma), Chris (Eleni), and Charles; great-grandchildren Willow, Aspen, Rowan; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and God children. She is also survived by her 102-year-old sister Georgia Vasila. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Zachario.

We would like to thank Helen's Caregivers over the past three years for their support, guidance and kindness; Christine, Kay, Nancy, Penny and Rocio.

Services will be held at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, on February 18, 2026, at 11 am, with a Makaria to follow. Interment at Inglewood cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's name can be made to Saint Sophia Cathedral or Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.

______________________________

American Obituary is a Baywalk Marketing service.

facebook.com/AmericanObituary - x.com/AmericaObituary