AUSTINTOWN - Helen Kanos, 83, passed away Monday afternoon, April 30, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, surrounded by the love of her family, following a courageous battle with a lengthy illness.

Helen was born Nov. 22, 1934, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Vargo Kansa, was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and was a lifelong area resident.

Mrs. Kanos was a homemaker who was also employed outside the home, working for General Electric at the Mazda Lamp Plant; for Fisher-Fazio's in the deli department; and for Packard Electric in Warren, from where she retired.

Helen was a longtime member of St. Joseph Church in Austintown, its Altar & Rosary Society, and the Garden Club.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Helen lived her life for her family and she especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and baker, known for her stuffed cabbage and kolachi, and was renowned for her "one helluva" Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Helen enjoyed gardening and shopping, and was a fastidious housekeeper who will always be remembered for her immaculate home and pristine yard.

Her husband, Paul E. Kanos, whom she married May 28, 1955, passed away Feb. 19, 1999.

Helen leaves three daughters, all of Austintown, Karen (Gary) Finlen, Kathy (Lee) Meaney, and Sandy (Ken) Jones; six grandchildren, Justin Finlen, Carly (Eric) Sofranko, Joel (Amanda) Hodge, Leeah Meaney, Mike Giannini, and Alyssa Jones; two great-grandchildren, Rosaleigh and Isaak, with a third great-grandchild "on the way;" and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Helen was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Karnofel; two brothers, John and Joseph Kansa; four half-brothers, George Burak, George "Shorty" Kansa, Mike Kansa, and Andrew Kansa; and a half-sister, Mary Stano.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 6, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m., Monday, May 7, at the funeral home, and will continue with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road, in Austintown.

Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown, where Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Helen's family sends special thanks to the many doctors and nurses for the kindness shown and medical care given to Helen and her family over the years. Thanks also to Helen's caregivers, especially Pearl, Judy, Sally, Terry, and Kathy, who provided excellent care to Helen in her home.