Obituary of Helen Antonakes

Helen Marines Antonakes, 87, of Duxbury, the beloved wife for 65 years of John Antonakes, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born in Boston and raised in West Roxbury, daughter of the late William and Demetra Marines, both first generation immigrants from Greece. A graduate of Mt. Ida Junior College, Helen married, and together with John raised their family of two daughters in Needham. While being both a loving wife and engaged and active mother, she took on part time work as a medical assistant in Newton. Later she would work in the administration office at Needham High School, where she enjoyed the opportunity to interact with students, who loved her humor and nurturing manner, and whom would often come to the office seeking her advice or encouragement. After school, her home was filled with her daughters’ friends, who would come by for a good meal or a haircut. Helen loved music, including playing piano and guitar, and singing her favorite Peter, Paul and Mary songs. Helen and John enjoyed hosting parties for family and friends, as well as gardening in their Cape Cod home in Falmouth. She was an avid reader of both history and fiction, and exceled at crossword puzzles. Helen will be remembered for her deep well of love and support for her children, grandchildren and extended family. Besides her devoted husband John, she is survived by daughters Joanne Cameron Cushing and husband Mark of Duxbury, Jane Dakers of South Portland, Maine, sister Irene Maravelias of Needham, and grandchildren Adam Dakers and his wife Katie, Sara Baldwin and her husband Michael, Michael Dakers, and T.J. Cameron. She is also survived by four step granddaughters – Abigail, Elizabeth, and Belle Cushing, and Catherine Butler, as well as many nieces and nephews. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwell Visiting Nurses Association.