Helen Chibis

Helen Chibis, 87, of Springboro, Ohio, ascended peacefully into heaven on January 13, surrounded by loving family.

Helen is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 68 years, Nickolas, her son Mark Chibis, daughters Cindi and Ruth Chibis, and her sisters Sally Economou and Tula (Jack) Bischoff. Helen passionately loved her family, who adored her as their gentle “queen”. She loved her “perfect” grandchildren, Kristina (Michael) McKewen, Joel Fladen, Stephanie Fladen, Jessica (Devin) Simon, and Nicholas Willis; her “perfect” great grandchildren Sophia, Ronan, Simone, and Ruben Fladen; Eli, Eleanor, Auggie, and Everest McKewen; Micah Simon; Koni, Frixon, and Jazmin of Ecuador; close family and friends Mark Willis, Eva Koelner, Jo Ellen Elfrink, and Stephanie Gassant. Helen had many caring nieces and nephews: Michael and Todd; Toni and Connie; Rita and Paula; Venette, Denise, and Lisa; Argie and Lee; Maria, Constance, Nick, Erica, and Justin; Argio and JoAnn.

Helen was born in Akron, Ohio to Mary and Gust Fakos. She was member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron and sang in the church choir. She graduated from Akron North High School and from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Education in 1959. While a university student, she worked part-time as a church secretary at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for Father John Kapenekas. Later, Father Kapenekas gave his personal blessing to her wedding with Nickolas in 1955.

With excellent scholastic achievement and superior student teaching performance, Helen began teaching two years before she obtained her degree. She was a “born teacher”. She truly loved teaching and loved her students, first at Rose (Santrock) Elementary school in Baberton, Ohio, then for several years at Highland West Elementary in Marengo, Ohio. She later completed Master’s level courses at the Ohio State University.

Helen traveled with family on four continents; she water skied, snow skied, rode horses, white water rafted, walked in jungles and deserts, on mountains and glaciers, and swam in several seas. Helen loved teaching but her greatest, deepest joy came from being with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, and other family members. Her family responded with affection and respect for the family Queen. She was loved!

Burial is at Dayton National Cemetery on January 26. A celebration of life with close family and friends will be help on January 27. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.