Helen Irene Tasulis passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2019 on what would have been her 60th wedding anniversary. She was 87 years old. Helen was born to vegetable and fruit farmers, Gus and Irene Polopolus on a 23 acre farm in Bloomington, California. They had immigrated to the San Bernardino area in the early 20th century from the mountain village of Asea in the Peloponnese region of Greece.

From a very young age, and together with her four siblings, Helen learned to irrigate the fields and orchards, harvest the crops, milk Flossy, the family cow, and drive a tractor. She participated in the local 4H organization with her younger brother, Leo. There, she cultivated her caring and nurturing nature taking care of farm animals and her beloved dog Mutsy. From her older sisters, Georgia and Pauline, Helen learned how to sew and completed her first skirt and jacket suit at the age of 17. Her oldest brother, Steve, was quite a bit older than Helen, and with him, she learned what a great sense of humor was all about. She loved to laugh! As a small child, she loved riding in their father's truck with daredevil Steve at the wheel, laughing and racing - fast - around the open fields. To little Helen, this was as good as it gets in life!

Helen and her family attended Saint Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in San Bernardino, California. Her parents had been instrumental in establishing the church and its women's Philoptochos group. Helen taught Sunday School there and was most beloved by her students and their parents, alike.

As a young adult, Helen participated in GOYA, the Greek Orthodox Youth of America group. In 1955 and unbeknownst to her, Helen's sister's entered her name as a contestant in the local GOYA fundraiser. They sewed her simple, yet beautiful dress for a whopping $5! She was crowned Queen at Saint Prophet Elias Church and then, a year later, went on to win the Western Diocese (the 7 western states) contest where she was presented and crowned GOYA Coronation Ball Western Diocese Queen by newscaster, George Putnam. It was on the dance floor of this particular event that she met her husband-to-be, Chris.

Helen loved children and developed a passion for teaching. She attended Chaffey Junior College in San Bernardino and then graduated from Long Beach State University with her Bachelors in Education. For several years, she taught elementary school classes in Fontana and then, once married, in Inglewood, California.

Chris and Helen were married on August 23, 1959 outdoors under the rows of fragrant olive trees that lined the road leading up to Saint Elias church. Three priests and over 1,000 people were in attendance to witness their betrothal, enjoy a traditional Greek lamb meal, and dance to the live music of famous bouzouki player, Yiannis Papaioannou who just happened to be visiting from Greece. Her father, Gus, broke open several vats of wine made from grapes grown in the family vineyard in celebration.

Once she became a mother, Helen gave up teaching to stay at home and raise her family for a few years. She then joined forces with her husband to be his receptionist and right hand in his thriving optometric practice. She devotedly worked along his side until his untimely passing in 1993.

After Chris's death, Helen picked up all the hobbies she loved most; sewing, cooking, gardening, to name a few. She was a great cook, an accomplished seamstress, an avid crafter and fig jam maker. She loved making monogramed gifts for her grandchildren and loved ones.

Helen is preceded in death by her beloved parents, siblings and her husband, Dr. Chris T. Tasulis, Jr. with whom she shared the same birthday, November 7, 1931. She is survived by her three daughters, Christina (Bob Williams), Constance (Terree Bowers), Stephanie (Chris Lee), eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In 2009, what started as a simple holiday vacation turned into a 10 year stay in Lewiston, New York with her youngest daughter and family. She suffered and miraculously survived a massive stroke in 2013 and lived her remaining years in the peaceful and loving care of her family until her death.

Helen I. Tasulis will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, warm and caring spirit and her deep devotion and love for her family, nieces and nephews, seven Godchildren and friends.

May her memory be forever eternal...

Trisagion/Funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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