Bessie Koukios (Koursaris)

Bessie Koukios (Koursaris), age 80, of Grand Rapids passed away August 10, 2013. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Thales Koukios, her parents Very. Rev. Demetrios and Sophia Koursaris her brother George Koursaris. Bessie is survived by her children: Dean (Demetra) Koukios, James T Koukios and George Koukios; sisters-in-law Evanthia Fotieo, Bessie Koursaris, Ioulia (Serafim) Katsaris; nephew James Koursaris, Themis (Linda) Fotieo, Deno Fotieo and Peter (Elizabeth) Fotieo; loving grandchildren Thales D. Koukios, Athansios “Nasi” D. Koukios and Sophia D. Koukios. Also, many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, koumbari and friends. She was born in Rentina, Greece on January 30, 1933 to Very Rev. Demetrios and Sophia Koursaris. She was a Graduate of U of M Flint as a teacher before moving to GR. She later married her husband and moved to Grand Rapids where she was a teacher at Vanderbilt Elementary School for one year and later devoted her life to raising a family with her husband. She was an active member of her church, various schools and community. She served in her church women's organization - The Philoptochos Society (friend of the poor). She was President of her local A.H.E.P.A. (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) auxiliary - The Daughter's of Penelope. She also held various district office positions including District Governor. She taught Religious Ed at various parishes in New Hampshire, Kankakee, Illinois, Flint, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She will be affectionately remembered for her kind spirit. The family will greet relatives and friends Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan St. NE from 6:00pm to 8:00pm followed by a Trisagion service at 7:00pm, at the funeral home. A service of praise and thanksgiving to celebrate Bessie’s life will take place 11:00 am August 16, 2013 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Interment Restlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Grand Rapids, MI Youth Facility. The family is being served by Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary.

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Bessie Koukios (Koursaris)

January 20, 1933 - August 10, 2013