Bessie Zillas

Bessie was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas. She was a loving mother of Athena (Kevin) Carr, Andrea (David) Britton, Arthur (Donna) Zillas, and Theona (Karyl) Hanscom. She was a cherished grandmother of Victoria (Tom) MacLean, Nicholas Carr, Patricia Zillas, Kristina Hanscom and the late Kristopher Hanscom. She was an adored great grandmother of Calliope, Lucas, Julian, Evander, Mia, Penelope, and Nicholas. Bessie was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews and the matriarch of the family.

Bessie was a pillar of her community. She volunteered her time in many Veterans fundraising activities, most notably the St. Albans Veterans Administration Hospital. Bessie also volunteered at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church for the yearly festival, specifically, at the jewelry tables! Bessie took pride in her garden and loved dining out. Bessie loved to talk on the phone. She was a perfectionist in all that she did.

In the everyday ways that matter most, Bessie’s kind heart was evident—through her caring nature and the warmth she extended to others. She delighted in beautiful things: the finishing touch of perfume, the pleasure of looking pretty, wearing jewelry and the simple joy of shopping. She also valued being acknowledged, and she appreciated the attention and respect of those around her—receiving it with grace, and returning it with a steady tenderness that will be missed.

The family of Bessie will be receiving visitors at the Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11358, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church, 196-10 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11358, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 10:00 am.

Interment to follow at Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.