Helen J. Alexander

Born in Canton, Ohio to Greek immigrants Michael and Maria Mavrakis.  She married James (Demetrios) and moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1950.  They owned and operated the Dog N Suds restaurant in Delta township for many years, also noting that it was an excellent place to raise and educate their children.  They taught them the value of hard work, determination, moral behavior and the American dream.  Theirs was a story of true grit.

Helen was a life-long member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lansing where she was active in many activities and served as Sunday School teacher.  She also served the community for several years in the Philoptochos society, a church affiliated charity, as a long-time president of the Daughters of Penelope, a ladies’ Hellenic fraternal society, and even as a Cub Scout den mother.

In her later years, she summered in Greece and wintered in Florida until she suffered a devastating stroke 10 years ago.  She took great joy in her family and adored her grandchildren, of whom no ill could be spoken.

Helen is survived by her sons, Thomas (Elizabeth) Alexander and Michael (Maria) Alexander; grandchildren, Dimitri, Theodore, Stephanie, Nicholas; and brother, George Kostan.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James Alexander and by siblings, Sylvia, George, Emily and Nicholas.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her church in memory of Helen Alexander.  Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.