WORCESTER-Bessie (Athanas) Spiro, also known as Vaselika Spiro, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2014, with her loving family at her side. Her loving husband of 64 years, John, who was “the love of her life”, passed away on July 11, 2013.
She leaves her loving and devoted daughter, Nancy Spiro Lisi and her husband Thomas Lisi of Yarmouth Port; her sisters, Emelia Thamel of Ohio, Ann Mitro of Shrewsbury, and Ellen Brown of Paxton. She was predeceased by a brother, James Athanas, and a sister, Mary Macewicz.
She was born in Southbridge, the daughter of Kosta and Anastasia (Christo) Athanas. Mrs. Spiro worked at American Optical in Southbridge for seven years, as a private secretary to Mr. Tillyer. She was named “Miss A.O., Girl of the Month”. Bessie also worked for many years at the family owned business, Swiss Precision, alongside her brother and two of her sisters. Her interests included sewing, crocheting, bowling, and cooking, especially Albanian meals. She was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church the Stella Chapter No. 3 of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years.
Bessie’s daughter would like to express a deep and sincere appreciation to her “special angels” for the exceptional care they gave her, which allowed her to remain at home. You and I are different mom, and I will love you forever! May your memory be eternal, mom.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 16 in St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will also be held on Tuesday from 9:30 until the time of the service in the church.
Arrangements are under the care of CALLAHAN~FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester.