August 15, 1923 – July 11, 2021
Helen Liacouras Lambros, surrounded by love, passed away peacefully. She led an incredibly full life of nearly 98 years. She was born to Greek immigrants, James and Stella Lagakos Liacouras, on Aug. 15, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA. Helen was forever rooted by the ideals instilled by her parents and a robust family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her upbringing in the Philadelphia Greek community had an indelible impact on her life.
From an early age, she was drawn to music, dance, education and the church, all aided by a thirst to tackle whatever the world had to offer. Many of her cousins were musical and got together frequently to play. She recounts these memories as among the happiest of her life. “We entertained everyone,” she would say, referring to how music brought her family and community close together. Helen embraced each day with a spirit and vigor like nobody else. She had a larger-than-life personality and seemingly infinite energy, creativity and resolve to make projects, productions and programs succeed.
Following graduation from Philadelphia public schools, Helen attended Beaver College, now known as Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. She regularly credited her parents for their courage in allowing her to attend school away from home, which was unusual for a Greek American girl at the time.
