Helen (Elia) Gobran , 87, departed to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Helen was born in Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt on July 21, 1935 to Elias Nicolas Elia and Linda Naguib Akkawi. She was predeceased by her dedicated husband of 62 years, Raouf Aziz Gobran, and her brothers, Nicolas and Samir.  She is survived by her daughter, Sherin; son, Sherif; son-in-law, Andrew Baur; daughter-in-law, Liza O'Dowd; grandchildren, Jasper, Felix, Michael, Alexandra, James and William; sister, Yvonne Nahas; nephews, Ralph and Mike Nahas; and nieces, Christiane Elia, Monica Elia, Dominique Jansen (Elia) and Jacqueline Elia.

Affectionately called Nana, Helen came to New York in April 1968 with her husband, Raouf, and children, by way of Beirut, Lebanon and Kuwait City, Kuwait.  While she knew no one upon arrival, she persevered and built her life in support of Raouf, her children and her grandchildren to help them achieve their educational endeavors and various accomplishments.

Nana was smart, warmhearted and grounded in peace.  She found joy in nurturing and focusing her care on those in need, especially those battling health crises.  Like her husband, Raouf, she lived her life extending a welcoming hand, in prayer.  She was a sought-out cook, baker, dressmaker and embroiderer.    Nana will be best remembered for her calm demeanor, her smile and twinkle that belied her sense of humor, her generous spirit and her faith. She will be truly missed by her friends.  She will be forever in the hearts of her beloved family.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nageh Awad, Andrew Baur, Felix Baur, Jasper Baur, Esmat Gabriel, Ayman Gobran, James Gobran, Michael Gobran, Sherif Gobran, William Gobran, Marshall Kaslowitz, David Quan, Adel Makary, Mark Makary, Martin Makary, Dennis Schepmann, and Mina Schepmann.

The wake will be held on Friday, June 2nd at 6:00 PM at Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania; the funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 11:00 AM at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, 411 Dekalb Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania. The burial will take place at George Washington Memorial Park, 80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, immediately following the church service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St George Coptic Orthodox Church ( https://stgeorgephilly.breezechms.com/give/online ) or Stephen's Children ( https://stephenschildren.org/) .

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com .