Helen Petritis Koehler, age 93 years, of Annandale, NJ, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and esteemed educator, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
Helen was born on August 2, 1930, in Paterson, NJ, to the late Nicholas and Androniki Serepetsi Petritis, where she spent her childhood and developed a lifelong love for learning. She had lived in Hawthorne, NJ, from 1966-2008, when she moved to Annadale, NJ, to be closer to her daughter and son- in-law.
She pursued her passion for education, earning a master’s degree, and embarked on a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. Helen dedicated many years of her life to the students of Hawthorne, NJ, touching the hearts of all who came through her classroom.
Beyond her professional achievements, Helen was deeply committed to her family. She is predeceased by Maria’s father, James C. Souran, whom she married on June 18, 1950. On November 27, 1980, she married Charles Koehler and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories. Helen was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter Maria Hannis. She found immense joy and pride in her role as a grandmother and great grandmother, with the younger generations bringing a constant source of light and laughter into her life, filling her days with endless happiness.
Helen’s faith and spirituality were always at the forefront of her life. She was an active and faithful member of the St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, Flemington, NJ, finding solace, community, and guidance within her faith. She also cherished her fond memories of the many years spent at St. Athanasios Church, Paramus, NJ.
With a talented hand, Helen enjoyed to sew, knit, crochet, and do needlework of which much of her labors were gifts to family and friends. She will also be forever remembered for her Greek cooking and passing the traditional family recipes and Greek cultural memories to her daughter and grandchildren.
Helen touched the lives of many through her dedication to education, unwavering love for her family, and her deep faith. Her compassionate nature, warm smile, and nurturing spirit will be forever missed but eternally cherished.
May she find eternal peace and rest, knowing she made a difference in the lives of those she touched. Helen will forever live in our hearts as a beacon of light and inspiration.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Maria S. and Donald B. Hannis; a grandson and his wife, Nicholas A. and Sarah Hannis; a granddaughter and her husband, Drs. Kathryn A. and Jonathan Andrews; four great grandchildren, Liam, Connor, and Jemma Hannis, and William Andrews; several extended family members; and many dear friends.
Helen will lie in repose on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington, NJ, 08822.
The Funeral Service officiated by Fr. Anastasios Kousoulas will follow the gathering at 11:00 a.m. at the church, and to which all are welcome.
Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, 200 McLean Boulevard, Paterson, NJ 07504.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.
You are encouraged to visit Helen’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the church at the address above, or online by clicking HERE. Your acts of kindness will serve as a testament to the legacy of love and generosity Helen leaves behind.
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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”
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