Helen Varkados

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Yiayia, Helen Varkados, at the blessed age of 99. Helen passed away peacefully on May 16,2026, surrounded by her family. She was born in Camas, Washington on May 2, 1927, to Demetrious and Cresoula Morris, humble immigrants from Greece who landed in America on the Fourth of July. She grew up on her family dairy farm where she learned many of the skills and the hard work that she exemplified throughout her entire life.

She graduated from Camas High School in 1945 where she was known for being able to make everyone laugh.On January 9, 1949, she married the love of her life, Demetrius George Varkados, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Helen devoted her entire life to her family, raising her children, Margaret, George, and Chrisoula with love and patience.

She was actively involved in her home parish, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, OR and made sure her children grew up in the life of the Church. She was later even involved at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Elk Grove, CA where her son-in-law, Father Dino Pappademos, is the Proistamenos (Presiding Pastor).

She would bring her loving charm all the way from Portland to serve pastries at the festival in Elk Grove for many years. She loved to meet new people and connect with everyone that was fortunate enough to cross paths with her. She was also a proud lifetime member of the Daughters of Penelope Troy Chapter #22 in Portland, OR. Helen’s hands were blessed by God as she was an exceptional cook, a skill which served her for 20 years as she cooked fresh meals every day for the students of Vernon Elementary School. As an employee of the Portland Public School system, she brought not only her cooking, but her warmth and love to the school, even decorating the cafeteria with her amazing artwork depicting popular cartoon characters from top TV programs of the time.

Then during her much deserved retirement, she and her husband Demetrius or “Jimmy” as he was known, traveled the entire country. All the way from Boston, MA to Anchorage, AK, Helen and Jimmy would travel to visit their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. They were present for every major life event in the lives of all their children and grandchildren and made beautiful memories for their entire family that will last forever.

The fullness of Helen’s unconditional love was best on display during the many, many dinner gatherings she and Jimmy would host at their home in Northeast Portland. She would invite family and newcomers alike to sit around her dining room table and enjoy her amazing cooking and loving company. When she was not socializing with her charming and outgoing personality, she was silently and diligently working in her garden, landscaping her lawn, and working on her house which was a refuge and the ultimate “happy place” for all who visited. Her grandchildren were her pride, joy, and greatest legacy.

She was a constant source of encouragement, support, and love for all five of them. No matter where life took her grandchildren, Helen followed them and encouraged them every step of the way, always rejoicing in their accomplishments.Helen is predeceased by her husband Jimmy Varkados, her sister Frieda Gibson, and her brother Ted Morris. She is survived by her children Margaret (Steve) Shultz, George Varkados, Presvytera Chrisoula (Father Dino) Pappademos, sister Alexandra Soldano, grandchildren Jacob (Rebecca) Shultz, Heidi Shultz, Katy (Andrew) Miltiades, Christo Pappademos, Dimitri Pappademos MD, and great-grandchildren Maximillian Bard Shultz, Theron Shultz, Sophia Nelson, Silas Nelson, Lexi Miltiades, and Cici Miltiades.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made to:

St Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church

9165 Peets Street, Elk Grove, CA 95758-4022

Father Elias Memorial Endowment Fund

3131 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97232