CHELMSFORD-Bessie Rallis, formerly of Shrewsbury, died on Thursday, February 18th. Her husband of 43 years, Michael C. Rallis died in 1991. She is survived by two daughters, Karen R. Davies wife of David C. Davies of Chelmsford and Cynthia E. Rallis of London, England; two granddaughters Gillian S. and Susan E. Davies of Chelmsford; a sister, Sophia Orphanos of Lowell and several nieces and nephews. Brothers James, George, Ernest and William Spanos and sisters, Angela Boudouris and Georgia Livadas predeceased her.
Mrs. Rallis was born in Lowell, the daughter of the late Peter D. and Constantina (Sofronas) Spanos. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Worcester State College. Before her retirement she was on the faculty of David Prouty High School in Spencer.
She was a past member of the American Association of University Women, the Daughters of Penelope, the Worcester Art Museum and the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement Association. Mrs. Rallis was a long time member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester and more recently a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Andover.
The funeral is Wednesday, February 24th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a service at 10:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, February 23rd from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.