Helen Akromas-Lewis' Obituary
Helen Akromas-Lewis, 92, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, in Draper, Utah. Born on February 7, 1934, in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, Helen followed her sweetheart, Eddie Akromas, to Buffalo, New York. In Buffalo, Helen and Eddie were active members of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, the Scranton Club, and VFW Post of West Seneca.
Helen loved to tell the story of how she began working at 4 years old, walking the railroad tracks with her mother to pick up pieces of coal to heat their home during the winter. During her adolescent years, Helen worked a wide variety of jobs: she ironed "bushels" of clothes; worked on a farm where she was paid in fruits and vegetables; made men's pants in a sewing factory; and eventually worked at the Buffalo GE factory, her favorite job. At age 21, Helen and Eddie started a family, and she became a stay-at-home mom.
Helen was a loving mother to Edward (Debbie) Akromas, Denise (Ralph) Wentz, Cheryl (Jim) Dudziak, Kevin Akromas, and Lisa (Jim) Fluty. She was also cherished by her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by 12 of her siblings and by her husbands, Edward Akromas Sr. and Joseph Lewis.
Helen found immense happiness in the simple pleasures in life. She loved cheering for her Buffalo Bills and Sabres, playing bingo, and dancing the polka. She was happiest being a mom, gardening, riding on Eddie's boat, Alice, playing with her poodles, FiFi and Sherrie, and having tea with her group of girlfriends on Lyndale Court. After Eddie died early in life, Helen prayed to "live just long enough to see her youngest grow to 18." Her prayers were answered and then some. Helen married Joe later in life when she began welcoming grandchildren. She loved watching her grandchildren swim, play hockey, dance, and take part in all sorts of sporting or school activities, all of which brought her endless joy.
As her grandchildren got older and more settled in their lives, Helen and Joe gave up the cold Buffalo winters for full-time Florida sunshine. They enjoyed living near Helen's sister, Tina, in an active 55-and-older community in Deland, Florida. After Joe passed, Helen moved to Utah to live with her youngest child, Lisa, and Lisa's family. Living in Utah brought her great joy and many adventures, some of which took her back to Buffalo and to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
At over 90 years old, Helen enjoyed her final 18 months living in a wonderful memory care community that provided comfort and joy during this chapter of her life. To honor Helen’s memory, we encourage donations of new items such as puzzles, bingo games, cozy blankets, socks, or "acts of kindness" like singing and dancing shows to your local memory care home.
Helen’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she leaves behind. Her family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.
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