Helen 'YiaYia' Gulalo, 88, Great-Grandmother, Dies

Helen “YiaYia” Gulalo, 88 of Newtown died peacefully Oct. 20 at Masonicare at Newtown.

Born Oct. 20, 1923 in Manhattan, she was known for her fun loving personality and oversized heart. A family role model of selflessness, love, kindness, and giving, Gulalo was proud, independent and taught her children to always work hard and save for a rainy day.

Her grandchildren will remember fondly her spinach pie, fish cakes, frozen Milky Way bars and honey cake. She lives on in all of the hearts and minds of her family.

Gulalo is survived by two sons, Jim Gulalo, and his wife Lillian, of Newtown, and George Gulalo, and his wife, Dianne, of Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren, Jimmy, Danny, Christopher, Nicholas and Adam; two great grandchildren, Olivia and Gia; a sister, Mary Mengerditus, of Newtown; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Betsy, Virginia and Minnie.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22 at , 58 Main St., Newtown. The Trisagion Prayer Service will be conducted in the Honan Funeral Home at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Rite of Burial will take place  Monday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury. Interment will follow in Newtown Village Cemetery.

Correction: Helen Gulalo was survived by her two sons, their families, a sister and many nieces and nephews. An earlier version of this article was incorrect in its characterization of her surviving family.