Helen (Vallianos) Sosangelis
Helen Sosangelis Obituary
Helen Sosangelis (nee Vallianos) of Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the age of 86, with her daughters by her side. She was born in Camden, NJ, into a loving household. A first-generation American, she was the daughter of the late Spiros and Olimbia (nee Vlasses) Vallianos, who hailed from the Greek islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca, respectively. Helen graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, NJ. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Rutgers University. This formed the foundation for her lifelong interest in politics. For many years, she was an active member of the NJ Federation of Republican Women and frequently attended Medford Township Council meetings.
It was love at first sight when she met Harry James Sosangelis. Following their courtship, they married, had two daughters, and built a life together in Medford, NJ. Theirs was an enduring, loving, harmonious, respectful, and devoted marriage. Together, they owned and operated the Indian Chief Tavern (aka The Medford Inn). In the 1970s, they built a second restaurant, Harry’s. In the mid-1980s, they sold the restaurants and transitioned to new careers selling commercial real estate.
Helen enjoyed a very happy home life with her husband and their two daughters, where Athena and Olympia were at the center of her universe. She was deeply proud of their accomplishments. She found joy in helping others and caring for those she loved. Helen’s life was marked by selflessness; she cared devotedly for her elderly mother and later cared for her loving husband during the last years of his life.
Helen had a sparkling personality and a natural magnetism that drew people to her. She embraced life with enthusiasm. She was vivacious, and her friendly demeanor made every outing feel like an adventure, full of possibilities and new connections. She was generous and warm-hearted, she possessed a great sense of humor, and she loved life. Helen was known for her honesty and could not bring herself to tell even a little white lie.
During Helen’s retirement, her days were punctuated by church, going to the movies, and lunches with friends and family. Above all, she cherished the precious moments with her grandson, Alexander—playing, looking at photos, and simply being together. She loved and adored him deeply, taking pride in his accomplishments, intelligence, warmth, and charm.
Helen found great comfort in her Greek Orthodox faith and attended church regularly while her health allowed. She found joy in the simplest things, like marveling at the deer in her yard and the beauty of nature.
We are grateful that Helen passed peacefully. She remains our most beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Helen, you will be greatly missed in this life, but know we will meet again in the next!
Helen is survived by her daughter Athena Sosangelis Lorenzo (husband Robert Lorenzo), grandson Alexander Lorenzo; daughter Olympia Sosangelis; and brother Gregory Vallianos.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church (615 Mercer Street in Cherry Hill, NJ), with the viewing from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, followed by funeral services from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Interment is private.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family prefers memorial donations to:
Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, with the notation “Memorial Donation for Helen Sosangelis.” https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UP2BAMREBK662
or
Regis High School, Office of Advancement, 55 East 84th Street, New York, NY 10028. Phone: 212-288-1142. If you donate online, please make a note in the Optional / Comment Box: “In memory of Helen Sosangelis.” https://www.regis.org/giving/donations?type=af
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, Medford, NJ.
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