Vasiliki Hadzimichalis

Vasiliki "Vasou" Hadzimichalis
Mrs. Vasiliki Hadzimichalis passed away peacefully on Friday September 6, 2024 at her home in Spotswood, NJ.
She was born on the Aegean Island of Samos in Greece and remained there until the age of 17. Her soon to be husband Harry traveled to Greece and after only 6 weeks of courtship the wedding bells were ringing! Harry spoke very little Greek while Vasou spoke no English. After spending several years living in New Brunswick, the young couple moved to Edison, where they would raise three daughters, and then to Spotswood where Vasou lived since 1987. Harry and Vasou remained devoted to each other for 48 years.
Vasou quickly learned the English language while working at several jobs. She was employed at a dress factory and Westinghouse before she began a lengthy career as a machine operator with E.R. Squibb in New Brunswick. It was while working for Squibb that coworkers nicknamed her "Betsy". She made lifelong friends and collected many delicious recipes! Betsy retired after 25 years with the company.
In her retirement she had the joy of helping to take care of her grandsons and she was forever proud of this. She enjoyed visiting her family and granddaughters in Maryland, as well as hosting extended family and friends at her home. She was indeed a devoted mother, "yia yia," and friend. Vasou showed her love by cooking and no one ever left her house hungry! Baking was one of Vasou's specialties. From Greek cookies to traditional holiday bread, Vasou was exceptional. Cooking also came naturally to Vasou. Whether it was spanakopita or any American dish, she mastered them all. During the Spring and Summer, Vasou could always be seen in her beautiful backyard. She took great pride in her perfectly maintained yard and bountiful garden. Vasou has left behind her legacy to all who knew her.
Vasou was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway for 65 years. She and her husband were also members of the Samos Club.
She was predeceased by her husband Harry Hadzimichalis in 2007. She was also predeceased by her brother Stavros Timbinaris and great grandsons Bryan Smith Jr., and Michael Smith.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Despina Laverick and her husband Timothy, Argiro (Aggie) Smith and her husband Bryan, and Vicki Moyer and her husband Craig. She is also survived by her sister Zaphiro Tzamanis and her husband Kostas, sister-in-law Stamatia Timbinaris, grandchildren Timothy Jr. and wife Jenna, Nicholas and wife Pang, Bryan and wife Jasmine, Christopher, Sophia and Julia, great grandchildren Timothy III and Alexander, her special niece Connie Fox and her family, along with her many treasured relatives and dear friends.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday September 10, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Gleason Funeral Home 1360 Hamilton Street in Somerset. Funeral services will begin on Wednesday at 11 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway. Please go directly to church. Graveside services will follow at Van Liew Cemetery in North Brunswick. Please consider a contribution in Mrs. Hadzimichalis' s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or The Shriners Children's Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org