KOTSAKIS, Bessie of Jamaica Plain, passed July 11, 2024.  She was 102 years.  Daughter of the late Stillianos and Mirika (Athanasiou) Kotsakis.  Sister of the George Kotsakis.  Bessie is survived by her nephew Stephen Kotsakis and his wife Patrice of Lynn, MA, her nephew Peter Kotsakis and niece Joanne Kotsakis, her great nephews Jonathan and Christopher Kotsakis and her great, great  nieces and nephews Stefanos, Melina, Nicholas, Eleni, Troy, April and Christina.  

A SPECIAL THANKYOU to Eleni Jance who was Bessie's caretaker and  longtime friend, who loved Bessie dearly and whom Bessie loved just as much.

Bessie spent time volunteering at the hospital's Hellenic Cardiac Program.  On Wednesday afternoons she was a Patient Escort and her calm, pleasant and warm demeanor was exceptionally suited for such an assignment.Bessie assisted Bess Pappas in the vital needs of patients who came to Children's from Greece.  These children came for specialized medical and surgical care that was not available to them in their homeland.  Bessie's upbeat and caring attitude towards people was truly an asset for this assignment.  Bessie also served as a volunteer interpreter.  She helped families feel comfortable and safe in an unfamiliar and stressful setting.

Bessie was always available to help the Greek patients.  She visited the children and took them to church and shopping.  Bessie frequently brought medical and financial documents to the Greek Consulate.  She has helped during dozens of radiothons over the years and she was everybody's cheerful friend.  

Bessie volunteered  with the Hellenic Cardiac Program and with the Patient Reception Program in the Pavillion Lobby.  For years she worked on patient escort with Charlie, Irv, Ed and Steve.  She pushed many a patient to many a treatment.  Patients were on stretchers. or go-carts or wheelchairs.  She handled them all.

She never lost her enthusiasm.  She was always upbeat.  In the Pavillion Lobby Bessie actively seeked out children and families.  Passing through the lobby you could see her speaking to everyone, asking the children if they wanted a sticker or baseball card.  She was always trying to figure out ways to help the parents, patients and families have a positive experience here at Children's.  She cared about everyone.

In 2014 Bessie was awarded the Presidential Service Award, given by the President of the United States Volunteer Council, in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to strenghthening our nation, for inspiring others and for making a difference through volunteer service.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, July 15th at Mann Rodgers Funeral Home, 44 Perkins Street, Jamaica Plain from 11am to 12 o'clock followed immediately with a Service at noon.  Relatives and friends invited.

Interment Forest Hils Cemetery