Helen Mageras Elks, lovingly known as Eleni by those closest to her, passed away on Tuesday December 24th, 2024. She was born in Newport News, Virginia on January 30th, 1942, shortly after her family immigrated from Karpenision, Greece. Helen spent most of her life in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia, where she was dedicated to her family and community. She and her husband Dennis opened the Bargain Tire Outlet in Portsmouth 35 years ago, where this family business still thrives under the ownership of her son-in-law Richard Bryant.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Sam Mageras (Anna) and Frank Mageras, and her sisters Voula Koumbas (James) and Christine Georges (Bill). Helen is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Dennis Elks; daughter Nicole D’adarria of Virginia Beach, Virginia, son-in law Marc, and two grandchildren, Gianna and Genevieve; daughter Cristy Pratt-Weldon of Charleston, South Carolina, son-in-law Clay, and two grandchildren Connor and Kate; and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen selflessly spent her life helping others and treated everyone as family, she will be deeply missed.
Helen was a radiant display of God’s love, light, and graciousness to everyone she met. Helen was known to some as Eleni, known to most as the “Tire Lady”, but known to all as their adopted Mom. “Just remember in the winter, far beneath the bitter snows, lies the seeds that with the sun’s love, in the Spring becomes the rose…” Bette Midler
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church with Reverend George Bessinas and Reverend George Chioros officiating, followed by interment at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
5 Comments
Dennis, I am so saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. She was such a special and unique lady.
My heart goes out to you, Nicole, and Cristy. Love and prayers to you. ❤️
Helen was indeed a very special person. She always had a kind word for those that needed it. ” The tire lady” will live in the hearts of those that knew & loved her for the
lifetimes of many.
I first met Helen when I was a community news reporter for The Virginian-Pilot. We bonded over our shared Greek heritage. I thought she was a lovely person and am sad to hear she has passed. Condolences to her family.
I am at a loss to describe the feelings I have to loose another MOM! but yet blessed to have had such a wonderful one. I adopted HELEN many moons ago, the love and strength she inspired only makes me wish I was her SON! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS go out to my ADOPTED POP, CRISTY & NICOLE, may PEACE fall upon you in this time of GRIEF.
Beautiful lady inside and out. Sending hugs and prayers to her family. May her memory be eternal.