Obituary of Helen Aggelopoulos

Helen “Lela” (Theodorakakis) Aggelopoulos

December 18, 1939 – May 18, 2023

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the sudden, tragic, and unexpected passing of a truly great lady and proud family matriarch, Helen “Lela” Aggelopoulos.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Kosta “Gus,” sons John (Elena), James, and her cherished grandchildren Kalli, Lily, and Andre. Siblings Jeanette (late George) Saldaris, Maria (late Jim) Milles, Tony (Irene) Demas, the late Theodore (Sheila) Theodorakakis. Sister and brother-in-laws late Georgia (late Peter) Psellas, Pena (late Chris) Catsiroumpas, Demetra (Louie) Doris, Vasiliki (Takis) Avthi and Eleni (Thanassi) Georgopoulos of Greece and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Predeceased by her parents Dimitri and Kalliope Theodorakakis.

Born in Arahova, Greece, she spent her early years in her beautiful mountaintop village playing childhood games in the picturesque village square at St. Andreas Church, attending school and helping the family during the extreme hardships of the time. She immigrated to Canada in 1959 to better her life and embrace the promise of this new cross-Atlantic adventure. She quickly got involved in the many lively activities of her new community and church and began building her large network of friendships that would last a lifetime. She met the love of her life Kosta to whom she was married for 58 joy filled years.

She started her career in Canada at Forsythe’s Dry Cleaners and then fulfilled a passion to run her own business Helen’s Variety and Alterations (at the corner of Colborne and Pall Mall Streets in London), which she ran side-by-side every step of the way with Kosta from the early 70’s until their retirement. Those lucky enough to have lived nearby will remember it being the heart of the community where you were welcomed as if you were a part of the family on every visit.

There’s not a person that ever stopped by Lela’s home that didn’t end up staying over for coffee, a drink, or a bite to eat at a table full of lively and wonderful conversation. Life at the Aggelopoulos home was full of many joyous family gatherings, celebrations, Sunday family dinners, and special occasions.

She led a passionate life of volunteerism and commitment for her beloved Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and community. Over the past 50 years there wasn’t a single bake sale, Kavalkade, Panorama, OPA Festival, walkathon, fundraiser, or raffle just to name a few that Lela wasn’t working at and rallying the ladies of the community. She also spent many years on the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Community Council of London and as President of the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Lela’s life was a life of love for everyone she knew and met.  She was a model of caring, compassion, generosity, and integrity. She was tough, and true to her Spartan roots she was a fighter, although she met with great adversity in her life she always faced it head on with dignity and resolve and always without complaint. She will be remembered for her bright smile that lit every room she entered, her amazing positive attitude towards life, and her absolute devotion to her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Logan Funeral Home, 371 Dundas Street on Monday, May 22 from 6-9 p.m. Prayers at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Southdale Road West on Tuesday, May 23 at 12:30 p.m. Interment woodland Cemetery.

To register for the livestream please click here        

Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society both of London, Ontario.

online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca

    a tree will be planted by the logan funeral home as a  living memorial to lela aggelopoulos.