Magdalene (Tsantinis) Bartzokis of Needham, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 19, 2026. Born in Lia, Epirus, Greece, Magdalene leaves behind her daughter, Betsey Forbes and her husband Brian. She was predeceased by her husband, Andreas, and her two sons, Nicholas Bartokis and George Bartzokis. She was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Eugenia (Sorongas) Tsantinis.
Magdalene emigrated to the United States in 1955 and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was there she met the love of her life, Andreas Bartzokis. The couple both met at Table Talk Pie. Together with her husband and three young children, the family moved to Needham in 1966 and owned and operated the Needham House of Pizza for several years. In the succeeding years Andrew and Magdalene acquired several other restaurants in the greater Boston area. Known for their generosity, they also assisted other family members establish restaurants of their own. They were grateful for what this country offered them, and they lived the American dream.
Magdalene and Andrew enjoyed traveling and often visited Greece to see family and friends, staying in their Athens apartment. After retirement, Magdalene enjoyed traveling to Florida and spending time in her Clearwater home. In addition to traveling, Magdalene enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was the most devoted Yaiyai to her grandchildren and they filled her life with so much joy.
Magdalene leaves behind her daughter Betsey Forbes and her husband Brian of Hanson, a granddaughter Kerrie Ta and her husband Derek, of Abington, and three grandsons, Andrew Forbes and his wife Miglena Dobreva of Needham, William Forbes and his partner LaClaire Cartwright of Quincy, and Steven Bartzokis and his wife Nicollete of East Boston. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law Kristine Bartzokis.
Magdalene also leaves behind four sisters: Elefteria Salpoglou of Bourne, MA, Maria Kotsiris of Barrington, RI, Helen Tolko of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Efstathia Koulisis of Worcester. She was predeceased by her brother Vasilios Tsantinis of Worcester. Magdalene also leaves behind many nieces and nephews she adored.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and caregivers who provided love, care, and support during Magdalene’s time at the Hellenic Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
Visitation at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 57 Brown Street, Weston on Friday, January 23, from 10-11am followed by a funeral service beginning at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Needham Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Magdalene’s memory be made to the Hellenic Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, 610 Sherman Street, Canton, MA 02021.