Sophia "Fofo" Bookis

Sophia Bookis, affectionately known as Fofo, a devoted grandmother, aunt and mother-in-law, proud Athenian Greek, and lifelong New Yorker, passed away peacefully one month shy of her 100th birthday. She was 99, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Sophia Hadjicostandi on October 4, 1925, in Athens, Greece, she was the daughter of Marika and Eleftherios Hadjicostandi and sister to the late Katy. Sophia came of age during World War II and immigrated to the United States in the postwar years, following the death of her father. She settled in New York City, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Sophia was first married to Stamatis “Perry” Perivolaris of Chios, Greece. Together they had one son, the late Stephen Perry. Later in life when her marriage ended, Sophia married John Bookis, with whom she shared many years of companionship, travel, and family life.

She is survived by her granddaughters, Liana Sophia Perry Applegate and Victoria Kate Perry; her niece, Marie Kay Kotschedoff; her daughter-in-law, Mary Perry; and great grandchildren Lucian Hamilton and Zoë Sophia Applegate. She also leaves behind beloved stepchildren, extended family, and a legacy of love, strength, and tradition that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Sophia was a proud Greek Orthodox Christian. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hellenic Initiative's Wildfire Relief Fund to support the rebuilding of the Greek Orthodox Lyreion orphanage, which was destroyed by wildfires in Greece.