Passed away on Saturday December 24th, 2022, at the age of 98. She died at home with her family by her side.
Bessie had missed her husband Kleanthis since he passed away in 2020. This year they spent Christmas together in Heaven, her favourite time of the year. Bessie was loved by her children Jim (Susan), Sofia (Stephen), and her grandchildren Clayton (Emily), Ali (Callum), and her many nephews and nieces.
Bessie was born in the small village of Rapsomati in Greece on April 15th, 1924.In December of 1951 she immigrated to Canada with her younger sister Anastasia where they began their new lives, working hard in the food service industry in Toronto. In 1961 she married Kleanthis, and they were married for 59 years at the time of his passing. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, together they ran several successful businesses. Their last business venture was Sophie’s Place restaurant in Barrie, which was started when she was a young 60-year-old and remained a part of until her late 80’s. Bessie has been described as having a life well lived, full of hard work, kindness, and love. Bessie had unwavering love and devotion to her family and church. Valuing education, her greatest pride was seeing her daughter get a university degree and later her 2 grandchildren achieve the same goal. Her granddaughter became a teacher, a goal that Bessie dreamed of achieving, but was not able to do so due to the times she lived in. Bessie loved to entertain, cook, and bake. Nobody ever left her home hungry. She shared countless memories with her friends and family over cups of coffee and cookies.
Bessie is the dear sister of Eugenia (Zacharia), Chris (Eugenia), predeceased by her sisters Athanasia, Anastasia, brother Konstandinos, and brother-in-law Peter Kourniotis.
Bessie was loved by all and will be missed by friends and family.
A visitation service will be held at Adams Funeral home 445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie on Wednesday, December28thfrom 4pm-8pm.Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 29that the Holy Cross-St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox church 572 Penetanguishene Rd Barrie at 10 AM internment to follow at the St James Cemetery.