Helen Frangos

Helen Frangos, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at the age of 97 in Gainesville, Florida. Born on August 11, 1927, in New Lafferty, Ohio, to the late Joseph Kominsky and Anna Magres, Helen was the sixth of eight children including siblings Mary, Walter, Andy, Anna, Emil, Irene, and Dolores. 

A 1946 graduate of Bridgeport High School, Helen married the love of her life, John Frangos, in 1960 after meeting at a local dance hall.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband John and grandson Ryan C. Wilson. She is survived by her three daughters, Stephanie Wilson (Charles), Allison Schaeffler (Kurt), and Melissa Simmons (David).  Helen also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Benjamin and Mary Kate Wilson, Elizabeth and Sarah Schaeffler, and Brookhart (Spencer), Jonathan, Spencer (Blakely), and Anna Simmons.  

Helen had a long and fulfilling career as a hairdresser, spanning over 40 years at Stone & Thomas in Wheeling, West Virginia. Post retirement, Helen worked for the Belmont County Ohio Board of Elections. Beyond her professional achievements, Helen found immense joy in her garden, especially in cultivating her prized fresh tomatoes. Her green thumb was a testament to her nurturing spirit and love for simple, meaningful pleasures. 

Helen was deeply committed to her faith and community and was a member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church in Yorkville, Ohio, the Yorkville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and Yorkville V.F.W. Post # 4811 Women’s Auxiliary.  She also volunteered for many years at St. Lucy’s Parish in Yorkville, Ohio. 

Helen lived an active life in Yorkville until the age of 94, when she relocated to Gainesville, Florida to be nearer to family.  Her resilience and zest for life were evident in all she did, including achieving a remarkable milestone at the age of 97: becoming a published author with her memoir, My Sister, Orphan Annie. Helen’s legacy is one of kindness, strength, and her ability to find beauty and purpose in every chapter of her life.

During her final years in Florida, Stephanie and Chuck Wilson ensured Helen received extraordinary care through application of their own medical expertise and as strong advocates of Helen across her doctors and care providers. 

Friends will be received to pay tribute to Helen on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 am until the time of service at 12 pm, at The Borkoski Funeral Home in Tiltonsville, OH, with Father William Cross officiating.

Burial will follow at Upland Heights Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

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