Helen Petaros, 89, originally from Silvis, passed peacefully with her family by her side on December 19, 2020 in Washington D.C. A pass by calling hour will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020 at noon at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline, IL followed by a private funeral service. Burial will be in Moline Memorial Park Cemetery. Helen Theofilis was born October 10, 1931, in Kollinis, Greece. She was the daughter of Vasilios and Stamata (Kalamboka) Theofilis. Her father died when she was a baby leaving her mother with seven children. Because the village was devastated during World War II, she was raised by the Stavropoulos family in Naufplion, Greece, who became her second adopted family. She later moved to Athens where she was a manager at the Stratiou department store. She immigrated to the United States to marry Christ Petaros in July, 1955 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Moline. He died December 19, 2014. Helen and Christ helped run his brother George's restaurant and candy shop, the Green Mill in Maquoketa Iowa before moving to the Quad-Cities in 1958. They began their own long journey in the restaurant business with the Brown Owl restaurant. In 1964, they purchased the Hughes Sandwich shop in downtown Moline with Helen working the day shift and Chris working the night shift. In 1967, they acquired the Irish Inn in Silvis, remodeling and changing the name to the Olympic Flame in 1974. They were the first restaurant in the Quad Cities area to introduce a full Greek menu. They were proud to serve so many loyal customers over the years. Helen was always the ultimate hostess in front running the show and Chris was in charge of the kitchen. They hosted countless wedding receptions, baptisms, retirements, holiday parties and other celebrations. Often they would have a Greek band and Helen was known to take the mic to sing ballads. They worked day and night until their retirement in 2005. At that time, they were finally able to return to Greece together to visit family and friends for the first time in 45 years. She and Christ were devoted members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church where Helen sang in the choir and served as the chantor for many years, which was one of the greatest joys in her life. Survivors include her daughter, Maria (David) Engvall; grandchildren, Alaina & Alex Stamatis, Chris, Lucas and Nico Engvall, great grandson, Costa Williams and many nieces & nephews both in the U.S. and Greece. She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; her beloved daughter, Kathy; and her siblings Demitri, Niko, Evangeline, Penelope, George and Kostas. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Helen to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com

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Monday, December 28, 2020 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline, IL 61244