Helen Koziares Fassuliotis

Helen Koziares Fassuliotis, 91, left us peacefully and with dignity in her home at the End of the Rainbow, Charleston SC, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 3:24 a.m. Her son, Dennis was at her bedside, niece Marie Attia (Alex) of Lexington MA and theologian Dr. John G. Panagiotou were in attendance.
In 1948, she was affectionately referred to by her classmates at Grover Cleveland High School as its “gift to Brooklyn College” where she later met her lifelong companion to be, “Snookie," and beloved husband of 63 years, George Fassuliotis Ph.D. (deceased). Upon relocation to Charleston in 1959, she later was equally as fondly known simply as “Ms. Fass,” by two generations of students under her tutelage.
Born Ellen Coziares, on February 22, 1931, daughter of Anastasios (Tom) & Anastasia (Tessie) Koziares in New York City, Mrs. Fassuliotis was a 40-year educator and counselor to the many teenagers who attended James Island Elementary, Fort Johnson High School and James Island Middle School. She always emphasized diligence, integrity, and honesty to her students and instilled the values of good citizenship. She was dedicated to her teachings of history and world geography and later served as a guidance counselor. After completing her education degree at Brooklyn College, she then achieved her Masters of Education at The Citadel 26 years later in 1979. By coincidence this was the same year her son, Thomas, graduated from the Corps of Cadets.
She was active in the Greek Orthodox Church as president of the Ladies Philoptochos and from 1988 - 2003 Parish Council President presiding over the Church’s first mortgage burning.
Additionally, in 2003, she was awarded the Archangel Michael Clergy-Laity award for her services to the church. This would be followed in 2004 with her being awarded the Metropolis Bishop's Choice Award for her exemplary service. Helen was also appointed as a Metropolis Ambassador. She presided over the Charleston Women’s Symphony and supported many charitable causes. She enjoyed the beach at Kiawah, especially with her two grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas.
She is survived by her sister Frances Marousis of Lexington MA, their only surviving first cousin Eleni Chrisant of Melbourne Australia, her two sons Dennis T. Fassuliotis (Elaine Mincey) of Charleston SC, Dr. Thomas M. Fassuliotis (Ginger Lowery) of Gainesville, GA, her two immediate grandsons Christopher C.G. Fassuliotis, Lexington SC and Nicholas J.E. Fassuliotis of Charleston SC, grand-nephews George Alexander Attia & William Ramsey Attia of Lexington MA, her step-granddaughters Brandy Lewis, Carrie Weber (Kevin), step-great-grandchildren, Chynia Sorrento (Carlos), Kayla Weber, Kevin Weber Jr, Olivia Lewis-Spann, Alexander Lewis-Spann, and great-great-grandson Carlos Sorrento.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to her caregivers: Anna Rice, Muriel Grant, Marlene Kinsey, Barbara Michelle Bliss and will receive friends Sunday, April 3, 2022, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Race St, Charleston SC. On Monday, April 4, 2022, the funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The burial will be held immediately following the service at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Helen`s memory may be sent to the Holy Trinity building fund for the expressed purpose of retiring its mortgage. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION, James Island, 347 Folly Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 614-8494