Bessie Varvoutis

It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing on February 1st, 2025 of  our beloved mother, grandmother  and great-grandmother Bessie Varvoutis. Born July 20th, 1929 as Bessie Dennis Kapurelos in Chester, Pennsylvania  she grew up in a Greek Orthodox family as the middle child between her sister, Stella and brother, Tony. As a young woman Bessie studied the piano and often performed at the Ford Motor Company where her father worked. Bessie was very active in the Greek church and loved going to the dances. That is where she met the love of her life, George. They later married on May 4th, 1952 at St. George in Chester. Shortly after, the young lovebirds moved to Alexandria, Virginia when George joined the military. Welcoming their first son Alex in July of 1953 Bessie knew exactly what she was meant to do, and that was to be an incredibly devoted mother! The Varvoutis family would soon grow and welcome 3 more sons, Mark, Dean and Stan. A modern woman, Bessie championed all her sons' artistic endeavors through music and art. Displaying framed creations and sculptures throughout their home, allowing for staged concerts in the back yard while always making herself available to shuttle her sons and their friends at a moments notice. When she she was not caring for her family, she could be found at church functions or the Drexel Swim Club surrounded by her dear friends. She was very social and loved events were she could gather with friends and family especially at the various Greek festivals. In the 80’s the family started Magic Carpet Foods in Philadelphia were Bessie shared her culinary skills and became the “Soup Master” and Queen of the Phyllo pie. She was often sought out for advice and support by staff and felt at home in the urban kitchen occasionally surprising everyone with her home baked goodies. In her later years Bessie could be found in her own kitchen cooking more food than the family could eat ensuring everyone went home with leftovers. Family gatherings always brought out old photos and stories of the past enjoyed by all.

Bessie is survived by her sons Alex, Mark and Dean (Deborah). Her grandchildren Shalimar, Jason (Joanna) and Adrian and great grandchildren Evan, Avery and Gideon. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband George and youngest son Stan in Fernwood Cemetery.  

Family and friends are invited to a visitation Thursday February 6, 2025 from 10-11am at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N. Malin Rd., Broomall, PA 19008.  Her funeral service will begin promptly at 11am.  Interment to follow in Fernwood Cemetery, Lansdowne, PA 19050.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Bessie's name to the Montco SAAC, Senior Adult Art Center of Montgomery County at Ambler.

 https://www.montcosaac.org/art-center-at-ambler

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