Helen Vranas (Mullins)

Helen Vranas, the beautiful little girl with the pigtails and dimples who grew up to become a beacon of strength and resilience with a heart of gold and a smile that never faded despite the innumerable obstacles that came her way, lost her battle with cancer Tuesday. She was 47.

Helen is survived by her beloved father Gregory, devoted daughters Anastasia, Hope and Gianna, loving brother Jim and sister-in-law Kathy, adoring nephew Gregory and niece Maria. She had previously lost her treasured mother Haroula and daughter Sofia. She was a dear niece, cousin and friend to many.

Helen was a working mom who made juggling a career and home life appear easy. She could whip up a savory meal in no time, bake delicious sweets (hot cocoa cookie, anyone?) and always had a pot of coffee ready for a surprise guest. None of this changed during her four-year cancer battle.

She took life’s challenges in stride, maintaining an incessantly optimistic outlook until the very end. She was responsible, hard-working and epitomized selflessness. 

Helen cared for her family and friends deeply but nothing was more important to her than her girls. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Visitation Thursday 5PM-8PM at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Funeral service Friday 9:30AM at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 133 S. Roselle Road, Palatine. Interment to follow at Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Education Fund for Helen’s daughters would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.