ELLSWORTH and NASHUA, N.H. – Bessie Theros, 88, died April 23, 2007, at an Ellsworth health care facility. She was born Oct. 3, 1918, in Nashua, N.H., daughter of George and Athanasia (Psirras) Katsiaficas. Bessie attended school in New York City and then at Nashua High School. She graduated from Keene State College in 1939 with a BE majoring in languages. She taught French and Latin at Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, N.H., for seven years. Bessie married Arthur G. Theros in 1946 after his return from World War II, serving in the Marine Corp. She taught fifth grade at Temple Street School and Broad Street School. She became the first woman principal of Nashua Sunset Heights Elementary School. She earned a master’s degree from Keene State College. She was married to Arthur for 52 years until his death, Oct. 3, 1998. They both loved to travel and play golf. She was a member of Vesper County Club, Tyngsboro, Mass., for more than 50 years, the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club, Hernando, Fla., and a life member of the Eastern Star plus Saint Philips Ladies Society Agape. She was also a member of the Women’s Club at Citrus Hill and a member of the executive committee of the YMCA. She moved to Ellsworth, in 2005 to live near her brother and his family. She enjoyed being matriarch of her large family and was a special aunt for her 10 nieces and nephews. She was loved and admired by all for her sweet disposition and positive approach to life. Bessie is survived by her brother, Charles G. Katsiaficas and wife, Lillian; sister-in-law, Mary Katsiaficas, nieces, Elaine Zahos Swaffar and husband, Jerry, and their children, Christopher Swaffar and Catherine Douglas; Diane Katsiaficas Gilbertson and husband, Norman, Alexia Katsiaficas, Athana Katsiaficas Catlett and husband, John and their children, Sarah, Sabrina and Anna, Athanasia Katsiaficas Joy and husband, Steven and daughter, Rebecca, Vasilike Katsiaficas Sawyer and children, Nicholas, Anna and Thomas, Mary Katsiaficas Libby and husband, Christopher and their children, Maria and Charles, Helen Sprawls and husband, Thomas; nephews, George N. Katsiaficas and wife, Eun Jung and their children, Delal and Cassandra, Raymond C. Katsiaficas and wife, Jyl and their children, Courtney and Demetrios, Charles C. Katsiaficas and wife, Jennifer and their son, Charles. Family and friends are invited to visit with Bessie’s family 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 90 Sanford St., Bangor. Interment will be in Nashua, N.H. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bessie’s memory may be made to the Ellsworth Public Library, 20 State St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
VASILIKE G. ‘BESSIE’
