Bess Angelos, 89, of West Hartford, CT and Jacksonville, FL, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, in her home at The Windsor at Ortega, Jacksonville, FL. The eldest of three children, she was born in Kyparissia, Greece, to Necolitsa (Padelopolou) and Panagiotis Varelas.

Bess's early life included wartime occupation by Axis forces. At age 12, she was charged with caring for her younger sister, Eleftheria (Ellie) and brother, Constantine (Costa) during a harrowing two-week sea passage to immigrate to the U.S. Reunited, the family settled in Hartford. Bess remained in the Hartford area 75 years until moving to Jacksonville with family in May, 2022.

Bess was a force of nature, forever quick-witted, curious, and with high standards for herself and others. She fiercely loved her daughters and each member of her extended family.

She was a knitter, crocheter, and needle-worker extraordinaire, turning out beautiful creations at an impressive pace that never compromised the expertise, artistry, and care that went into each of them. She distributed her sweaters, blankets, mittens, hats, pillow shams, and more to family, friends, and strangers across the US. During Covid lockdown, Bess continued to busily knit. She also crocheted dozens of granny squares to be sewn together to make blankets for hospice patients. Beyond that, Bess often maintained friendships for decades, whether from her Greek community, the Aetna, Bank of America, or neighbors wherever she went. She also volunteered at the Town of West Hartford voting polls for many years, a service that she offered proudly. Bess spent her final days in the loving care of family and professional staff alike. Helping Bess make her final passage on earth was truly a community effort, and her family is grateful for excellent caregivers in West Hartford and Jacksonville. The wonderful people at the Windsor, in particular, brought Bess and the entire family extraordinary comfort. After a lifetime of caring for others, often under challenging circumstances, Bess was able to fully receive and appreciate such support from others.

Her husband of 59 years, Chris, predeceased her, as did her sister, Ellie, and her sister-in-law, Melanie. Her daughters and their families survive her: Stacey and Robert Schreiber of St. Augustine, FL, daughter, Marisa, and her wife, Courtney; Lisa and Robert Ciccaglione of Murrieta, CA, and their children, Lea; RJ; and Nina and her husband, Travis Nelson. Her brother, Constantine Varelas of Jacksonville and his children, Peter Varelas and his wife, Dana; and Nicole Cannon and her husband, Olin. Additional surviving family members are her brother-in-law, John Papacosma, and his children and spouses, Kathryn Papacosma and Reed Boyce and Jason Papacosma and Kristin Haldeman. Bess was fortunate to live long enough to enjoy great-granddaughters Sophia, Giana, Bria, and Remy; great-nephews Dino, Hayden, and Blake; and great-nieces Charlotte and Daphne.

Bess, it's hard to imagine life without you! We promise to do you proud.

There will be two services. A memorial service, in Jacksonville, will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., on Tuesday, November 14, at 10:30 am. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, November 18, at 10 am at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Church, Saturday from 9 am to 10 am. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery immediately following. Contributions in Bess's memory may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Connecticut Humane Society, or the charity of one's choice.