Bessie Kansas Psakis

Bessie Kansas Psakis TroyBessie Kansas Psakis, formerly of Lansingburgh, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2014 at Van Rensselaer Manor. She was born in Schenectady, to immigrants, Peter Kansas and Catherine Michos Kansas from Sparta (Koniditsa) Greece and wife of the late Steven G. Psakis. Bessie was predeceased by all six of her siblings, John, Margaret, Anastasia, Helen, Ethel, Chris Kansas and a great-granddaughter. In the 1920s, at a young age, Bessie worked in her family's business, Kansas Confectionary in Mont Pleasant. According to her father and siblings, she was the hardest worker of all the children. As a teenager, Bessie went to work full time to support her family, due to her father's untimely death. Her strong work ethic carried her throughout her life, retiring at age 80. She was a role model for many and adored by all who knew her. Bessie and her husband owned and operated the Capital Restaurant in Cohoes in the 1940s and The Fifth Avenue Diner in Lansingburgh in the 1950s. Following this, she was employed by the Lansingburgh School district, Marine Midland Bank (HSBC), Fatone's and the Puritan Restaurant all located in Troy. She was a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church in Troy and a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a volunteer at The Salvation Army until age 100. She was a member of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, Troy. Survivors include her devoted daughter, Patricia P. (Thomas) Ryan of West Sand Lake; her two beloved grandchildren, Timothy T. (Joanne) Ryan of Guilderland, Allison (Nathaniel) Reichman of Delmar and four cherished great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, aides and staff members on Floor B2 at Van Rensselaer Manor for their loving care, support and dedication to Bessie as well as her many loyal friends and visitors. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 909 River Street, Troy with Fr. Emmanuel E. Mantzouris officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Belle Avenue, Troy. Calling hours will be held on Satuday from 10 to 11 a.m. at church prior to services. To light a candle and offer words of condolences, please visit www.mcloughlinmason.com.