Bessie Panagiotopoulos

Bessie “Vassilia” Panagiotopoulos 

August 1, 1933 – October 30, 2025

Bessie “Vassilia” Panagiotopoulos of Sykesville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, at the age of 92.

She was born on August 1, 1933, in the village of Lachania, Rhodes, Greece, one of eight children. Growing up during the hardships of World War II, she developed resilience, courage, and a deep love of family that guided her throughout her life.

At a young age, she journeyed to the United States, following in her father’s footsteps and the promise of new opportunities. After returning briefly to Greece, she met and married John Panagiotopoulos in Tripoli, Greece, in January 1956. Together they built a life founded on hard work, devotion, and faithful partnership that endured for nearly seven decades. John preceded Bessie in death in June 2025, just a few months before her passing.

Bessie and John established Bessie’s Cleaners on Washington Boulevard in Baltimore City, a business known for its quality, integrity, and personal touch. Recognized as one of Baltimore’s longest-running women minority-owned establishments, their business reflected the values of care and dedication that defined their lives. Bessie’s warm personality and genuine kindness made everyone who met her feel like family.

Faith and family were always at the center of Bessie’s world. She and John raised their family with strong Greek Orthodox traditions and deep love. Her greatest joy came from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom she embraced with affection and pride.

Bessie’s life was a testament to perseverance, grace, and love. She faced challenges with quiet strength, celebrated joys with laughter, and found sweetness in every moment, often literally through her love of desserts.

She is survived by her sons, Michael and his wife Soula of Adelaide, Australia, and Christos and her former daughter-in-law, Helen, her cherished grandchildren Billy, Lisa, Yanni, and Niko and her beloved great-grandchildren Arlo, Haven, and Jaden.

Bessie will be remembered for her generous heart, steadfast faith, and enduring love for her family. Her spirit and legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

May her memory be eternal — Αιωνία της η μνήμη.

Funeral Details: Wednesday, November 5TH

10:30 am Lie in Repose/Viewing

11:00 am Funeral Service

Location: Chapel of the Holy Resurrection in the Greek Orthodox Cemetery

5917 Windsor Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation for the Capital Campaign