Helen C. Papadeas, a longtime Upper Darby resident who devoted decades to her family, the Greek Orthodox Church, and a career in telecommunications, passed away at home on October 13, 2026. She was 96.
Born Helen T. Pappas (Papageorgiou) in Philadelphia on December 13, 1929, she was the youngest of five children of George and Dionisia (née Kostomite) Papageorgiou. She grew up at Sixth and Spruce Streets and graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1948.
Helen began her career in 1949 as a long-distance operator with AT&T Long Lines. She remained in telecommunications for 48 years, retiring in 1997 as a Directory Assistance Supervisor with Bell Atlantic, now Verizon. Her family recalled that she declined several promotions over the years to remain close to her loved ones.
On June 7, 1959, she married Chris H. Papadeas at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church in South Philadelphia. The couple moved to Upper Darby in 1961, establishing the family home where they would spend more than six decades.
Their home was a gathering place for relatives and friends, particularly during holidays and family milestones. Among the traditions Helen treasured was celebrating her husband’s name day on Christmas. She also enjoyed summers with her family in Beach Haven, New Jersey, where time by the ocean brought her peace and a sense of closeness to God.
A longtime parishioner of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, Helen was active in church life for many years. She taught Sunday School, served as a Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) advisor, participated in Philoptochos, sang in the choir, and volunteered at parish festivals.
She also chaired hospitality for the 23rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, held in Philadelphia in 1976 during the nation’s Bicentennial year.
Faith, family, and country were the principles Helen sought to live by. Her family remembered her positive outlook, gratitude, and willingness to encourage others.
She was also a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, an interest she inherited from her father and brothers. Her family recalled that she was equally comfortable cheering for the Eagles from the upper deck of Veterans Stadium or attending a formal gala.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Chris H. Papadeas; her parents; her brothers, the Rev. P. Nickolas Papageorge, Louis Papageorgiou, and Gregory Pappas; and her sister, Esther “Tasia” Kosiras. Her brother, the Rev. Papageorge, was a graduate of the Theological School of Halki.
She is survived by her sons, Peter Papadeas and his wife, Susan, and Dennis Papadeas and his wife, Colleen; her grandchildren, Chris P. Papadeas and his wife, Despina, Robert D. Papadeas, and Eleni L. Papadeas; and her great-grandchildren, Maria, Peter, and Paul. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family expressed its gratitude to Helen’s caregivers, Pat, Susan, and Rita, for their kindness and care.
A viewing will be held Monday, October 19, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Fernwood Cemetery, 6501 E. Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050.
Those attending the burial who are familiar with the route are encouraged to drive directly to the cemetery and leave parking space for funeral and family vehicles at the gravesite.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Helen’s name to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082. For additional information, contact the church at 610-352-7212 or visit saintdemetrios.org.