Obituary of Bessie Antonakos
On November 3, 2025, our family lost our rock and inspiration. Surrounded by her loved ones, Bessie Antonakos (nee Tsagkaris) passed peacefully and went to be in the arms of her beloved husband, our dad, Angelo. Mom was the heart and soul of our family, a constant source of love, wisdom, encouragement, and strength.
She will be deeply missed by her children Paula (Rick Boswell), Peter, and Melba (late Walter McWilliams). She was a loving Yiayia to her adored grandchildren Angeline (Rami), Alexandra, Cameron, Evan, Anna, Samuel, and Anthony; each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She is fondly remembered by Laurie (Nuttall) Antonakos.
In addition to losing our dad in 2022, mom was predeceased by her son-in-law, Walter McWilliams, her father (Michael), her mother (Melpomeni), her brother Dimitri (late Tasia), sister Eleni (late Elias), and brother Panagiotis (Varvara). Mom was also predeceased by brothers in law, Kostas (late Maria) and Sarantos. Mom is survived by brother-in-law, Antonis, close family friend Kosta, George (Maria), Spiro (Athena), and sister-in-law, Despina. She also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, both in Greece, in Canada and in the United States.
Born in, Gounari, a small village near Sparta, Greece, Bessie faced great challenges early in life. She lived through the turmoil of wars, famine and hardship, witnessing militant soldiers enter her village both as a toddler and again at age ten. Yet even from those difficult beginnings, her strength, courage, resilience, and compassion shone through.
After completing secondary school in Greece, a rare accomplishment for a young woman in post-war Greece, she bravely immigrated to Montreal at the age of 18. Sponsored by her sister Eleni and brother-in-law Elias Minakakis, and supported by her brother Pano and sister-in-law Barbara, she built a new life in Canada. She worked as a professional, unionized seamstress in Montreal, and through hard work and perseverance, established herself as an independent young woman.
On a visit back to Greece, Bessie met the love of her life, Angelo, “her Angel,” as she fondly called him. The two married and began their life together in Canada in 1963. Over the years, they built both a family and businesses, owning and operating Angelo’s Restaurant in Kemptville and later in Johnstown. Bessie was the backbone of the operation, known for her incredible attention to detail, tireless work ethic, and ability to manage a large staff while raising three children.
She and Angelo shared nearly 35 years in business together and were pillars of the Greek community in Brockville and the surrounding area. Bessie was an active supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church where she found lifelong friendships and fulfillment in helping others.
Throughout her life, Bessie was admired for her resilience and will to live, especially in her later years. Her strength astonished doctors, nurses, and caregivers alike. During her many emergency visits to Brockville General Hospital, the medical staff would often remark, “It’s obvious you love your mom immensely.” And how could we not?
In her final years, Bessie found comfort and care at Wedgewood Retirement Home and St. Lawrence Lodge, where she was deeply loved by the compassionate Nurses and PSWs who looked after her. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nikhil Bhatt for his insight and care in managing her complex health needs for many years. We wish to also thank St. Lawrence Lodge Assistant Director of Care, Nicole Kirkby, for her guidance and compassion, along with the staff for their dedication and kindness. Thank you Karen, Cassy, Brenda and Mari for your love, care and support.
Bessie’s legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to family and community. Her warmth, generousity, and sharp sense of wit, which earned her the affectionate nickname “spicy Yiayia” from her grandchildren, will be remembered always.
Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Angelo. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation: Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl Street, E., Brockville, Ontario on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church, 206 Perth St., Brockville, Ontario on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11 am, Father Vasilis Roccas officiating.
Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 1518 Lyn Road, Brockville, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
The Hellenic Community of Brockville-Greek Orthodox Church (1-613-345-4696) or to the Brockville & District Hospital Foundation-Emergency Room Department, would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
