Bessy Xepoleas passed away peacefully at the Sequoias senior residence, where she had lived since 1999. She was 102 years old.
Born in Seattle, Washington in 1923 to Greek parents, Bessy led a life rich in culture, language, and love. At the age of four, her family moved to Greece and later settled in Rosario, Argentina, where she was educated in a Catholic girls’ school and became fluent in Spanish. Her ability to seamlessly adapt to new cultures and languages was evident from a young age—Bessy was fluent in Greek, Spanish, and English, and her linguistic grace was matched only by her warmth and hospitality.
After completing her education in Argentina and working for a British company, Bessy returned to Seattle in 1955. In 1963, she moved to San Francisco, where she later met the love of her life, Peter Xepoleas. They married in 1968 and shared a deep appreciation for their Greek heritage, traveling frequently to Europe and back to Argentina to reconnect with dear friends.
A consummate professional, Bessy worked as an executive secretary for Foremost McKesson, where her precision, organizational skills, and eloquence made her indispensable. She took great pride in her work and was admired by colleagues for her dedication and competence.
Though she did not have children of her own, Bessy embraced Peter’s four adult children and their growing families as her own. She adored her ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, especially during holidays, which she loved to host with her signature elegance, generosity, and attention to detail.
Bessy was known for her impeccable memory, punctuality, and sense of propriety. She never forgot a birthday, a name, or a meaningful detail—and she was always on time. Her grace and reliability were hallmarks of her character.
After Peter’s passing, Bessy chose to move into the Sequoias, a senior living community where she quickly made new friends and continued to share her vivacious spirit. She remained active, engaged, and ever-optimistic. When asked about her background, she would proudly say, “I’m a Spanish-speaking Greek American.”
Bessy is preceded in death by her beloved husband Peter, as well as his four children: Gerald, Russell, Vernon, and Diane.
A Trisagion Memorial Service will be held in her honor at 7:00 PM at the Greek Orthodox Church, hosted by Duggan’s Funeral Service, 3434 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. For further information, please contact (650) 431-4900.
Bessy will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, elegance, and unwavering love for those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and deep-rooted cultural pride.
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