Demetra "Demy" Blake passed from this life on August 5, 2018, after a period of declining health, surrounded by her devoted children. She was 2 days short of her 88th birthday. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Angelika (Tsagarelis) Rassias. She is survived by her son John P. Papas III, her daughter Nicole Papas and brother John Rassias, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Robert, brother Charles Rassias and sister Valerie Ptohos.
Demy graduated from Classical High and The Salter School. She soon met and married biochemist John Papas and started her family in the Boston suburbs. However, her life took a turn when, together with her brother John, they built and operated Sir Morgan's Cove and Bogey's, both nightclub venues on Green Street in Worcester. Afterwhich, Demy was employed at UMass Memorial in the Pre-Admitting Dept. for many years before retiring in 1993. She loved travel, especially summers on the Cape and up in Maine, cooking and spending time with her many dear friends. As a lifelong member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, she also enjoyed being an active member of its many philanthropic organizations; as well as working for many years at the Greek festival. She truly had a gentle spirit and heart of gold and will be missed enormously. We'd like to extend our warmest thanks to VNA Hospice of Worcester and a special thanks to Visiting Angels' Aide Kim Turner for the loving compassion and devoted care she gave our mother.
Her funeral is Friday, August 10th with a service at 12:00 PM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 11:00 AM until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to either St. Spyridon's or to its Ladies Philoptochos Society, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.