Bessie “Vaso” Nika

Vasiliki “Bessie” Nika of Colgate, WI passed away on Sunday morning, October 8,  2023 at home surrounded by her loving children.

Bessie was born in Greece on November 24, 1940, the daughter of Theodore and Chrisoula (Petrogiannis) Nika.   Bessie was very proud of her Greek heritage and made several trips to visit her family in Greece, her most recent in 2022.  She loved to volunteer at the Greek church festivals in both Milwaukee and in Naples, Florida where she played a key role in assisting with costumes for the children in Hellenic Dance with her daughter Soula.  Bessie made many friends, enjoyed her Greek food (especially her sweets) and loved Greek dancing.

Bessie was the owner of Edgewood Tailors in Shorewood, WI and worked part time at Brooks Brothers in Brookfield.  She was a master tailor and had a keen eye for fashion.  She served many customers over the years, most of whom were her regulars and more importantly, her friends.

Outside of work, Bessie loved spending time in Florida whether it was by the pool, at the beach, going for walks with friends or shopping.  She loved to be active.

Bessie loved her family very much.  Her biggest joys were her children and grandchildren.  Bessie is survived by her children Andrew (Jayne) Theo, Theodore (Kristen) Theoharopoulos, Joanne (Tim) Behling and Chrisoula Theo; grandchildren Katarina Theo, Arianna Theo, Steven Theo and Vasoula Gamouras; and her siblings Maki (Voula) Nika and Katina (George) Diavolitsis.  Bessie is further survived by her nieces, nephews, and many family members and friends.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Chrisoula, brother Yianni (Irini) Nika and sister Giratso Nika.

Bessie’s family would like to thank Dr. George Gamouras, Dr. Ben George and the Oncology team at Froedtert, the nurses and home care staff with Horizon Home Health Care and Hospice and special friends Nancy Ralph and Bruce Fields.

The love and compassion shown for Bessie by everyone throughout her journey will never be forgotten.

Visitation at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, October 16 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Service to follow.