Helene Marie Pandelides

With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Helene Marie Pandelides, age 82, on September 29, 2025.

Helene’s bright smile, sharp wit, and caring personality left a lasting impression on all those who knew her. Born in 1943 in New York to Hyman and Jean Leder, Helene was raised with a large extended loving family. She was extremely family-oriented and her family was the center of her life.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, John Pandelides, her three children: Paula Woerner (Steve), Linda Orlosky (John), Steven Pandelides (Nita), and eight grandchildren: John, Allison, Matthew, Andrew, Michael, Ashley, Timothy, and Sean. She is also survived by her aunt Dolly Antoniolli, brother-in-law, Ken Wojnar, her niece Jenni Jenkins, nephew Eric Wojnar, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Annette Wojnar.

Raised in Astoria, NY, Helene was a true New Yorker with a personality that left a lasting impression. Often described as a pistol or a spitfire, she had a great sense of humor, a vibrant energy, and a heart that never stopped giving. During her childhood, she was known to be the matriarch of her 13 cousins. She adored her sister, Annette, who came to live with her in Maryland after their mother passed away.

Helene met her husband, John, and her mother knew he was the one. The two of them built a beautiful life together. They married and moved from New York to Maryland, becoming one of earliest residents of Columbia, MD. Helene devoted herself to raising their three children, while also working as an executive secretary. She loved spending time with her family, and took many memorable camping trips, traveling in a station wagon that pulled their pop-up camper. In her later years, Helene and John spent winters in Florida where she developed strong friendships and basked in the sunny climate.

Helene was proud of her family’s accomplishments and beamed with joy when speaking to others about her grandchildren. She possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family, extending her warmth to her children's and grandchildren's friends. She showed great strength as a two-time cancer survivor and was a fighter throughout life’s obstacles. She remained steadfastly devoted to her husband John while always being available to those in need.

Helene's greatest strength lay in her connections with people. She was an excellent communicator, and consistently kept in touch with loved ones, always checking in and maintaining her strong relationships. She found joy in lunches with friends, family gatherings, and had an infectious laugh that brightened any room. Her deep love for family, unwavering loyalty, and vibrant personality left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., Clarksville, Maryland 21029 on Sunday, October 12 from 3PM - 6PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 13 at 11AM at St. Louis Chapel in Clarksville, Maryland.

Alzheimer's Association of Greater Maryland
1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium MD 21093
Tel: 1-410-561-9099
Web: http://alz.org

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/