Marlborough – Helen (Elpiniki) (Baltsois) Macricosta, 94, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 where she lived for many cherished years with her family.  She was the loving wife of the late George Macricosta, who died in 2013 after 55 years of marriage.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Kondilo (Gagas) Baltsois. Helen moved with her family to Kozani, Greece, at just nine months old, where she spent much of her formative years. Right before World War II broke out, her father returned to the United States, seeking opportunities to better support his family financially. By the time Helen, her mother, and her brother were preparing to follow him, the war reached Greece, leaving them unable to leave and separating the family for several years. During the war, a German officer and his valet were stationed in their home. Despite the difficult circumstances and the fear created by the occupied forces, they provided them with housekeeping and home-cooked meals.

Following the end of the war, Helen, her mother, and her brother moved to the United States, reuniting with her father in Springfield, Massachusetts. A few years later, she graduated from Commerce High School in 1951 alongside her good friend Barbara Smith, who, along with a tutor her father hired, helped her learn English as she adjusted to life in her new country. She later made Marlborough her home after marrying her husband, George Macricosta of Marlborough, MA.

Helen worked for many years as a secretary at Raytheon and later as an assembler/secretary at Digital Equipment Corporation, where her intelligence, reliability, and sharp attention to detail were deeply valued.

She had many passions that enriched her life and the lives of those around her. She was an exceptional baker and cook, a talented seamstress, an avid reader, and loved animals. Her family will forever remember her warmth, humor, and spirited personality — loving, opinionated, funny, and always true to herself. Above all else, Helen enjoyed being a grandmother, a role that brought her immense joy and pride.

Helen was also committed to giving back to her community. She was a longtime member of Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Marlborough, MA, and volunteered with the Enosis Ladies Society. She also taught Sunday School, sharing her faith, kindness, and guidance with younger generations.

She leaves behind her daughters, Sandra Macricosta of Marlborough, MA, who was also her devoted caretaker, and Joanna Clancy and her husband Tom of Westborough, MA; her treasured grandson, Christopher Clancy of Boston, MA; and many nieces, great-nieces and nephews, and two great-great nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 16, at 11:00 AM in Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, Cashman Street, Marlborough. A time of visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00–10:30 AM at the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough.

All are invited to sign Helen's online guestbook at collinsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 381, Marlborough, MA 01752 or to the MSPCA (mspca.org).