SCARVELIS (nee Giannakakis), Helen passed away peacefully on August 19th, 2021, at the age of 81, surrounded by her family. “Lela” was the beloved wife of the late Basil and father of Elias (Caroline) and Dimitri (Anne). Loving Yiayia to Christopher, Katherine, Lucas, Maria, and Matthew. Cherished sibling to her brothers, sisters, and extended family.

Helen was born in a beautiful beach town in Greece, the third youngest of nine children, and immigrated to Canada in the early 1960s. She met her future husband while he was studying at McGill, they married and raised a family in Montreal.

Like many women of her time, Helen was a proud mother and homemaker. As her sons grew older, she started working with children, as a Greek schoolteacher, in daycare settings, and taking night classes in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, mastering her written English along the way. She was also her husband's caregiver through his own struggles. In time, her loving circle expanded to include Caroline, Anne, their families, and five grandchildren, bringing many years of joy.

In all respects, Helen was a remarkable woman who selflessly gave of herself to improve the lives of others. Our family wishes to thank everyone who helped and prayed for Mom in her final journey.

Visitation will take place on Monday, August 30th from 10am to Noon, at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 Chemin de la Foret, Outremont (514) 279-6540. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to The Ottawa Grace Manor, www.gracemanor.ca.