In Loving Memory of Helen Arvanetes
Helen Arvanetes (nee Moustakopoulos), our beloved mother, grandmother, and long-time Banff resident, passed away on November 23, 2023 at the age of 85. After 63 years of marriage to her husband, Peter, she peacefully joined him 3 months after his departure. Together again, always and forever.
Helen was born on March 22, 1938 in Nestani, Arkadia, Greece. In 1960, she married Peter and immigrated to Canada. She instantly fell in love with Banff, the community, and the novelty of a fridge and washing machine! She fully embraced learning a second language, while sprinkling our lives with her unique twists on English. She liked getting her hair done at the ‘beauty saloon’. When Helen was going to the beauty saloon, everyone wanted to go!
She loved her family, gardening, dancing, and baking. We will forever miss her baklava, melomakarona, and black forest cake, all nicely spiked with brandy. She had an unwavering strength against Parkinson’s Disease and never let it dim her spirit. Her faith in God was a constant source of peace for her.
Helen is survived by her daughter Ulla and son Kosta. Ulla is married to Greg Turner; their son James, brought immense joy and pride to Helen’s life. Kosta is married to Wiebke Szalay. They blessed Helen with two grandchildren, Emelia and Nicholas, who filled her life with happiness and love. Helen is predeceased by her husband Peter, her parents, brother and two sisters, and is survived by her older brother George and her younger sister Alexandra, and an extended family in Canada, the U.S, Greece, and Australia.
Helen will be remembered for her cheerful demeanour, kindness to others, wonderful sense of humour, and the love and devotion she shared with her family. We are left with a wealth of memories that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Origin at Spring Creek for their care, support, and compassion towards Helen and Peter, as well as all the medical staff in Banff and Canmore.
A funeral service to honour Helen’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 3 at 11:00 am at St. George’s-in-the-Pines Church in Banff. Father Thomas of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church will officiate.
