Helen (Collins) Markos

– Helen (Collins) Markos, 89, of Ipswich, passed away peacefully at the Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield on  August 12, 2019.  Helen was the wife of the late Tommy Markos, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage, and the mother of Debbie Markos and Stephen Markos, both of Ipswich.  She was the daughter of the late George (Kallianesis) and Arete (Kremidas) Collins.  Her brothers, James, Patrick, Angelo, and Charles, and her sisters Cassandra and Portia, predeceased her.

     After graduating in 1948 near the top of her class from Seeglitz High School in Peabody where she was a cheerleader, Helen met her future husband, Tommy, at the Pansamian Hall in Peabody.  After a three-year courtship, Helen and Tommy were married on  October 14, 1951  at St. Vasilios Greek Church in Peabody.  They then moved to Ipswich, and proudly built their house in 1956, where they created a home to raise their children.  Helen remained in this home for nearly sixty years until she moved to Putnam Farm Assisted Living in Danvers, and more recently to Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield.

     A major goal of Helen’s was to raise her children well, and to allow them to thrive by exploring their talents and desires.  She and Tommy created a welcoming home atmosphere not only for Debbie and Stephen, but also for the children of the neighborhood whether it be a theater production in the garage or a carnival or baseball diamond in the backyard.  Helen was truly a fun parent who always welcomed her children’s friends into her home.

     As a lifelong learner, it was fitting that Helen became a special education tutor and classroom aid for 25 years in both the junior and senior high schools of Ipswich.  Helen also enjoyed her part time job at H&R Block as a receptionist.

     Helen was a life member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Ipswich where she taught 3rd. grade Sunday school, was an advisor to the Greek Youth Organization (GOYA), and the treasurer of the church’s women’s club, the Alpha-Omega Sorority.  Being an avid baker of Greek cookies, Helen could be found working at the pastry booth at the church picnic each year.

     Helen also had a competitive edge, and exhibited that at candlepin bowling where whe was in a league for many years.  At the age of 77, Helen was proud to have bowled a league high score of 138 for a single string.  Helen also loved music from the Rock and Roll of Buddy Holly and Elvis, to operas such as Madame Butterfly, as well as classic show tunes from plays such as Chicago and Cats.  This music served as the background for Helen’s dance classes, held in her living room, where she taught her three granddaughters, Hailey, Molly, and Emmy how to dance.  In addition to her love of music, Helen was a passionate and avid gardener, where her backyard garden still thrives today.

     Surviving Helen is her daughter Debbie of Ipswich, her son Stephen and his wife Sue of Ipswich, her granddaughters, Hailey of Bethesda, MD, Molly and Emmy of Ipswich, as well as many nieces and nephews.

     A funeral service will be held Saturday  August 17th.  at  10 :30 A.M.  at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church  8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich.  Burial will follow in the Cowles Memorial Cemetery  29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich.  An hour of visitation will be Saturday  August 17th.  from  9 :00 to 10 :00 A.M.  in the Morris Funeral Home  45 North Main Street, Ipswich, relatives and friends are respectfully invited.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Helen’s name to :  Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center  Massachusetts General Hospital  Building 114, Suite 2011, 16th. Street  Charlestown, MA  02129.  To send a condolence to Helen’s family please go to :  MorrisFH.com .

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