Helen Bechas Johnson - Obituary

elen Bechas Johnson, 87, of Annapolis, MD, died on January 31, 2023 following a long battle with cancer. Born and raised in Washington, DC by her devoted Greek parents, Marianthe Bounatsas and Gus Bechas, Helen grew up watching her father run his popular D.C. Greek restaurant of the day at “5th & G”. Helen was always a dedicated and active member of the Greek communities wherever she lived. She managed a successful real estate office in Atlanta, GA, early in her career and later managed the offices of several large patent law firms in DC. An avid skier, sailor, and world traveler, Helen relished adventure and new challenges. Helen and her husband, Bill, traveled often with fellow Naval Academy alumnus, visiting Europe and the Mediterranean. Helen particularly enjoyed sailing among the Greek Isles and visiting her family that still remained in Greece. She also enjoyed spending time at her vacation homes in Ocean City and Rehoboth. Helen was an active member of the Corinthian Cruising Club* and as a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox faith, Helen most recently attended Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Commander William “Bill” Johnson, whom she married in 1972, and her brothers, George, Peter, and Anastasios “Ernie” Bechas. She is survived by her nieces, Cassandra, Vanessa, and Christina Bechas and Robin Risley; her nephews, Dean Bechas and Rick Risley and her cousins, Paul (Ginger), Kathy and David (Debbie) Bartin and Marguerite Heidenberg. Friends are invited to celebrate Helen’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, February 17 from 6 to 8 pm, where a prayer service will be held at Saturday, February 18 at 11 am. Contributions, in Helen’s memory, may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.