Dorothy Spanos (nee Perdikakis), of Orangeburg, NY, previously of New City, passed away from complications of COVID-19 on May 14, 2020 at the Joe Raso Hospice Center, New City, NY. Dorothy was born on March 23, 1930 in Manhattan, NY, and was one of five children born to Peter and Mary Perdikakis. In 1932, the family moved to Chios and Piraeus, Greece, where they spent six years. They moved back to the States and settled in Washington Heights. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dyckey, and they married in 1956. Shortly after, Dyckey’s job in the television industry moved them to Tucson, Arizona, where they began to raise their family. In 1967, they moved back to NY and after living in Riverdale, they eventually settled in Rockland County.
Dorothy was a devoted wife to her husband of 55 years, mother to her five children, a loving YiaYia to her nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, and aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was a remarkable cook and fabulous dancer. Her passion for dancing led her to the professional stage and clubs in NYC and instructor at the famous Fred Astaire Dance Studio. She had a beautiful smile and a zest for life. She loved her family and friends deeply and always put their needs before her own. She enjoyed preparing meals, most especially over the holidays. Her authentic Greek cooking/baking and dancing was second to none. She was very committed to her Greek Orthodox faith and heritage and was a long time member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in West Nyack, NY. She was a member of the Philoptochos, and would help out with the annual church’s festival.
Dorothy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Thomas and Mary Spanos of Campbell Hall, NY; son Basil Spanos; son Michael Spanos; daughter and son-in-law Maria and Steve Botto of New City, NY; son and daughter-in-law John and Barbara Spanos of New City, NY. Loving grandmother to Thomas, Andrew, Catherine, Christina, Nicholas, Laura, Christian, Connor, and Sean, and great grandchild Elizabeth.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dyckey in 2011, and her two brothers and two sisters.
We would like to thank the staff at Brightview Lake Tappan in Orangeburg, NY where she moved to in 2018, and we would also like to thank with our warmest and greatest gratitude, Eileen McDowell, who significantly helped out with our mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in West Nyack, NY.
Funeral service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be private.
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