Bessie Korbos Trapalis

Vasiliki "Vasso" or "Bessie" Korbos Trapalis, 89, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of Andrew A. Trapalis, passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family, who stayed by her side assisting her with her transition over, on the evening of Saturday, July 28, 2012. A Funeral Service will be held in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at 10 a.m. Interment, Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL Monday between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., a Trisagion Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Trapalis was born November 10, 1922 in Katokletoria (Mazeika), Greece, daughter of the late Panagioti Korbos and the late Mariam Konstantoulou Korbos. She came to Charleston in 1951, after marrying Andrew A. Trapalis. She was an ambitious, energetic, hardworking woman who accomplished a great deal for herself. After becoming an American Citizen, she entered the job market and was loved wherever she worked. Bessie retired from the Medical University of S.C. Dietary Division in 1987. She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, as well as The Philoptochos Society and The Daughters of Penelope. Bessie worked for her church in various capacities, always willing and able when called upon to do so. She had a great deal of compassion and love for others and always extended a helping hand.

She is survived by her daughter, Georgia Trapalis Tsurutis and her husband, Terry Tsurutis, of Charleston; her granddaughters, Andrea Diana Tsurutis and Victoria Michelle Tsurutis (who have been her pride and joy); and her nephew, Panagioti Halari of Greece.

The family would like to thank Carolina Hospice, especially her nurse, Kimberly, for all of their help, support and compassion..

Memorials may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403 and/or AHEPA Scholarship Fund, c/o George Morris, 116 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401.