Bessie M. Kerames

Presbytera Vasiliki “Bessie” Alexis Kerames was born in Somerville, MA, and spent her youth there. She met her future husband Rev. George H. Kerames at a church picnic. They married in 1953 and were together for 43 years until his passing in 1996.

Bessie was dedicated to her position at Yale-New Haven Hospital for over 25 years, where she worked at the front desk, greeting all those that came into the hospital. She enjoyed interacting with the public, often talking with her family and friends about her experiences there. One day, she came home excitedly announcing, “I met Paul Newman today and he had the bluest eyes!”

As Presbytera, Bessie participated in the Philopotocos Society at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, where her husband was the priest. Being quite the fashionista, she modeled in several church fashion shows and, with her pretty voice and love of music, joined the church choir.

In addition to her love of fashion, Bessie loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, enjoyed the ocean waves at the beach and listening to Elvis.

Bessie is survived by her three children Harry Kerames (Celia), Dennis Kerames (Karen), and Athena Della Penna (Ori), her six grandchildren, Daniel (Anna), Stephanie (Kyle), Kathryn (Andy), Kristopher, Jaclyn, and Lia Grace and four great-grandchildren, Claire, Dean, John, and Stephen.

She is predeceased by her husband George H. Kerames and her brothers Peter Alexis and Harry Alexis.

Visitation will be held in St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, March 6th, from 9:30 to 11:30am, at which time her funeral service will commence. Interment will immediately follow in Orange Center Cemetery.

In remembrance of Bessie Kerames’ life, the family asks that any charitable donations be offered to St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church or to The American Diabetes Association.

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