Bessie Telegadas

Vasiliki “Bessie” Telegadas, born January 12th, 1937, passed away peacefully on April 29th, 2026. Bessie was born in Mouzaki, Thessalia, Greece to Agathe and Fotis Dimitrakopoulou. Her early years were spent surrounded by her parents, 4 sisters, and big extended family. Bessie grew up right next to her church and school, and was a 1956 high school graduate.

Bessie’s life forever changed when she received a letter from Alkiviadis “Al” Telegadas, a boy from a neighboring village, asking her to move to America to marry him. Bessie then embarked on a difficult two-week journey across the Atlantic to Canada, then later settled in Detroit with Al. Bessie spent her time in America raising her three children, and worked for many years as a seamstress for places such as Walton Pierce and Lendzion’s Bridal. Bessie was a proud Yiayia, and found great joy in spending quality time with her grandchildren. A woman of strong faith, Bessie was a lifelong parishioner of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores. Bessie will be remembered for her devotion to her family, and for her unwavering faith in the Lord.

Bessie is predeceased by her parents; siblings Dimitra, Agori, and Noni; husband Al. She is survived by her children George (Elizabeth), Agatha (Dennis) Kefallinos, and Kathy (Jim) Polyzois; sister Evdokia Pozios; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family, but they are at peace with the knowledge that she is reunited with her beloved husband and our Resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

An Instate for Bessie will be held on Saturday May 2, 2026 from 9AM-10AM, with a Funeral Service to follow at 10AM, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores.