Helen Ballos, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday September 24, 2025 in her home in Bridgewater NJ. She was 96 yo.

Born on July 20, 1929 in NYC to Greek immigrants, Mary Ventouratou and John Cliadakis. Nitsa, as she was known through her childhood, was anchored by the Greek Orthodox Church, her family and the Greek community and culture. Helen was 5 years old when her father died and she, her mother and brother Nick, returned to Greece.  As the threat of war in Europe grew, they returned to NYC. Soon afterwards, Mary married George Pyros, a widower with a 13 year old daughter, who became a loving father to Helen and Nick.

Helen was a young teenager when she first met Connie (Constantine) Ballos, a classmate of her older sister. Years later following his high school graduation, and WWII Navy deployment, Connie contacted Helen’s sister again only to learn that she had married. Her mother “ may” have asked if he remembered Helen and soon he called her. He was immediately smitten by this blond, blue eyed young woman and she with the dashing sailor. Thus began a relationship that was celebrated in marriage in1950 and continued for 75 years. During that time, they had four children, Corinne, Melissa, Dene (deceased) and Pam.

Helen and Connie’s life together took them to Wilmington DE, Decatur IL and Morristown NJ where they lived for almost 50 years before retiring to Lakewood Ranch FL full-time in 2010. Wherever they lived, Helen created a warm home filled with laughter, love and cherished new friends who remained close through the decades. Helen was a good friend. Always available with a listening ear, encouragement and heartfelt smiles. She telephoned, she sent notes and always remembered birthdays, anniversaries and special events. Helen enjoyed games of all sorts but particularly backgammon where she was a fearsome competitor.

She supported her children’s myriad of activities and offered gentle but strong guidance. She contributed her time to the PTA, Philotochos and in the community through the Morristown Women’s Club. Once the children had grown, she became an athlete, learning tennis and then becoming an avid golfer, a sport she enjoyed with Connie. They traveled, exploring Europe and Hawaii with friends. She would tell you that she had a good life. A life well lived. We will miss her.

Helen is survived by her husband Constantine (Connie) Ballos, and three of her four children, Corinne, Melissa and Pam and their husbands Terry Mackie, Fr. John Mamangakis and Rob Bugianesi, respectively.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Alex Mackie, Devin Mackie, Christina Mamangakis (Tom Evans), George Mamangakis (Maria Mamangakis), and Marina Mamangakis, Dene Bugianesi and Tori Bugianesi. Also great grand-children Wilder Mackie, Penelope Evans, Stefano Evans and John Mamangakis.

Visitation will be held at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 1447 Sussex Turnpike

Randolph NJ 07869 on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am. A Funeral Service will follow at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph NJ. 07869 from 11:00 to 12:00pm. Internment will be held at Somerset Hills Memorial Park at 95 Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge NJ at 12:45. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Atlantic Health Visiting Nurses- Hospice Care.  (ahs.atlantichealth.org) or St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. (standrewgonj.org)