Obituary of Helen Costopoulos

Helen Costopoulos (nee Barkas) passed peacefully on December 12th with her daughters at her side. She was 83. The daughter of Greek immigrants, Helen was born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Queens. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Theophelos (Phil) whom she met in her early 20's at a Kastorian Club dance in Manhattan, married three years later and together made a home in New Milford where they lived for 51 years. Helen was an Administrator at Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing for 28 years during which time she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and raised her family. Following retirement, Helen enjoyed travel with family and friends. She devoted her time to her grandchildren, who adored her and loved spending time at her home and on summer vacations at the beach. She was also a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Wyckoff, New Jersey, where she was active in the Ladies Philoptochos Society, the philanthropic arm of the Church and enjoyed her time with friends of Kali Parea. She was an extraordinary mother, a dedicated grandmother, and a caring friend. Helen's wonderful nature will be a continuing source of inspiration to all who knew her. She is survived by her daughters, Eve Costopoulos and husband Douglas Brierley of Morristown, Nancy Costopoulos of Oradell and Christine Costopoulos of Slingerlands, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Katherine, Alexandra, Theo, Dean, Adrienne and Andrea; her sister, Mary Toskos; her sister in law, Helen Tavantzis and husband John; her nieces and nephews, Menelaos and Chrissie, Karen and Scott, Paul and Becky, Bill and Missy, Alexander and Ava.. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18th at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com 257 Godwin Ave. in Wyckoff. A funeral service will be held at 10a.m. on Wednesday, December 19th at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Ave. in Wyckoff, followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Philoptochos Society of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.