Helen Peters Soteras

Helen Peters Soteras

April 3, 1932 ~ July 1, 2022

Helen Peters Soteras passed away on July 1, 2022. She was born on April 3, 1932, to Thomas George and Angeline Polychronopoulos Peters, in Sacramento, California.  The family later relocated to Salt Lake City, UT, where Helen, along with her five brothers and sisters, were raised. Tragedy struck the family, when Helen’s father was hit and killed by a car, when Helen was 15. As Helen’s mother worked fulltime to support the family, Helen became the head of the household, in her mother’s absence. Helen created special family rules, some of which were quite popular, such as the “chocolate cake for breakfast” rule. 

Helen was an outstanding student and was always on the honor roll throughout high school. In particular, she excelled in English, spelling, shorthand, typewriting, and playing the violin in multiple school activities. Upon graduating from Granite High School, Helen began working, and became the executive secretary to the Head of the Utah Oil Pipeline.

Helen used to say her life changed, the moment she met her handsome husband, Harry Soteras. Helen and Harry were bridesmaid and groomsman at a wedding and became a dashing couple from that moment on. They were married in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, on June 20, 1954. Helen and Harry lived in Ogden, UT, where Harry’s family resided. They were blessed with two daughters, Denise and Roxanne. Helen embraced the role of motherhood and centered her life around her family. She also enjoyed sewing, bowling, skiing, and boating, and especially enjoyed traveling to Hong Kong, Greece, New York and Canada. Helen loved being a grandmother “Yiayia” to her only grandchild, Alexandra Rose Debow.

Helen lost her beloved Harry in 2006, and later moved to Salt Lake City. Helen fought bravely, in dealing with her diagnosis of oral cancer, enduring difficult procedures and surgeries throughout her battle. Her goal was to make it to age 90, which she accomplished in 2022.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Denise Soteras Marchand and son-in-law Bruno; daughter, Roxanne Soteras; and granddaughter Alexandra Debow. She is also survived by her sister, Dena Noland; sisters-in-law, Vickie Peters, Charlene Peters, Pam Peters, and brother-in-law, Chick Ruoti; and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, John, Lula, Bill, and George; sister-in-law, Jennie Contos; brother-in-law, Larry Noland; niece, Diane Contos; and nephew, Greg Noland; godsons, John Kithas and Arthur Thiros; and goddaughter, Stephanie Mencimer.

We would like to thank the many medical professionals who showed such kindness and compassion to Helen. In particular, Dr. John Luras, Dr. Chi-Gang Yen, Dr. Richard B. Cannon, Dr. Jeffrey Russell, along with the entire team at Huntsman Cancer Hospital, are appreciated for their attentive care.

A private family funeral was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration, 674 42^nd Street, in Ogden, UT.  Interment was held at Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT.

Contributions may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration or to the charity of your choice.

ORDER VIDEOS