Helen Jelush Bondurant
June 22, 2020
Gone to Heaven too soon….
CHARLOTTE – Helen Jelush Bondurant, 67, passed away at Atrium Health Carolina's Medical Center on Monday, June 22, 2020.
Helen was born in Queens, New York on September 24, 1952 to the late Anne Bourazanis Jelush and George Jelush. She lived there until 1984 when she married Joseph Bondurant, a native Charlottean.
As a child, Helen caught the travel bug by going on family vacations every summer, to New England. Among the many cities she visited, she returned several times to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where she explored out of the way hidden coves and towns.
Helen was an accomplished travel agent both in New York and Charlotte. Being a travel agent afforded her the opportunity to visit so many destinations including Greece, Germany, England, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Canada. She loved to travel, meeting different people and experiencing their culture and food.
While living in New York, Helen was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where she and Joe were married. In Charlotte, Helen was a member of St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. She volunteered her time serving the community as an assistant catechism teacher as well as on the Hospitality and Welcome Team Ministries. Helen loved children and supported the church athletic teams by attending many of their games.
One of the many loves shared by Helen and Joe was their love of animals. They owned several dogs and cats, although Helen often said that they owned her.
Helen’s father was a thirty-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and in his honor Helen and Joe hosted Christmas Day dinners for whatever shifts worked that day from Stations 3 and 14. These were the fire stations responsible for protecting their neighborhood. Helen knew that firefighters are always the first responders in an emergency and she was very grateful to all those that served their community.
Helen is survived by her sisters, Carol and Anne, nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 29, 2020 at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Salisbury National Cemetery, 705 Hedrick Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Hermione Home for homeless pregnant women. The ground-breaking for the home is scheduled for fall of 2020. Memorials may be sent to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, c/o St. Hermione Home, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.
Friends will remember Helen most for her loving and giving nature and infectious laugh.
May Helen’s memory be everlasting.
***Please note due to the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are required for those in attendance for services at both the church and cemetery. ***
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Carol, I cant tell you how sorry we are for the loss of Helen.
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Dear Carol,
I can’t tell you how sorry we are for the loss of Helen .I know how close you two have been over the years and that she will always be a missing part of your heart .Silk and I have been remembering the times we came to Charlotte on our way to the Smoky Mountains and how generous and gracious Helen was to us and what a keen sense of humor she had . She taught us the right way to say thank you down South with “Bless your heart” and we have been using it ever since. I’m comforted to know you have your church to support you now. Helen and you are in our prayers. Love ,
Muriel -
Dearest Carol,
I am finding it impossible for me to believe that I won't be seeing the lovely Helen around anymore. I can say with certainty though that she will always be in my heart and my thoughts, as I picture her among the righteous in the paradise of joy.
May her memory be eternal.
Teresa -
Dearest Carol, we ar sadden for your loss. Helen and you have been the most giving and loving people. You both always brought so much to everyone you came in contact with. Helen will be sorely missed by all! You and family will be in our thoughts and prayers for the Lord to give you peace! With much love, the Potters.
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Dear Carol,
I am heartbroken to hear of Helen's passing. She was such a bright light with a beautiful smile for everyone. We will miss her dearly. The girls said how much you and Helen made them feel special with your hugs and joyous laughter and now you will have to give them double hugs & they will give you double as well. My mom was so sad to hear this as well and said how much it meant to her that you visited her in the hospital and treated her like family. She said you & Helen were always so kind to her. It meant more to her than you will ever know and it meant so much to me as well. Thank you for all those times you treated me with such kindness when I was sick by bringing soup, a card or a visit. You are a blessing and I will never forget your kindness. Brianna and Daniel were so sad to hear about Helen and they remember the last time they saw Helen when you both held onto them for a long time. Brianna said somehow she felt it would be the last time she'd see Helen. I remember visiting you & Helen at your house a few years back and talking & laughing & the pure joy I felt to be there and how much fun we had that night. Remember we are all here for you whenever you need us and we love you dearly!! May Helen's beautiful memory be everlasting + and may God comfort you and give you strength and peace. We love you!! -
It is with deep sadness that I have learned of Helen’s passing. Why bad things happen to good people, I certainly do not have an answer. My love and support are sent to Carol, my dear friend for an eternity.
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Carol, my heart breaks for you and your family. With a twinkle in her eyes; I will always remember Helen as a loving, kind and generous soul, who always made me feel welcome. May God hold you and your family in the palm of his hand always.
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My deepest condolences to Carol and the family. Helen was a beautiful person inside
and out. She always greeted everyone with
a smile and genuine compassion & love for everyone. She will be truly
missed.
May her memory be eternal. -
You left our world too soon dear friend...your love and kindness to all who crossed your path will not be forgotten. May your memory be eternal through the many lives you brightened during your life here in this world...love, peace, and healing to you Carol
Jodi and Gabrielle -
Dear Carol, Costa and I are so sorry for your loss! Helen was a wonderful lady who cared about everyone. She was always smiling and her beautiful eyes were always twinkling. We will miss her! May her memory be everlasting! ??❤️?? Bessie & Costa
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