Vasiliki (Papacostas) Kritikos

Vasiliki “Bess” (Papacostas) Kritikos

A Deeply Loving & Faith Woman -

Vasiliki “Bess” (Papacostas) Kritikos, age 79, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Arahova, Greece, passed away at home with her two devoted sons by her side on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.  Bess was born on Friday, May 14, 1937 in Arahova, Greece to the late George Papacostas and Konstandina Papacostas.  In addition to her parents, Bess is preceded in death by her former spouse, Ioannis “John” Kritikos, who was the proprietor of Johnny K’s on the Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg; and her two brothers, Stephen Papacostas and William Papacostas.

Bess’s survivors include her two sons: Konstantinos “Dean” Kritikos, and Kyriakos “Ken” Kritikos both of Mechanicsburg; her two sisters: Mary Daub and her husband, Robert, of Mechanicsburg, Alice Regas of New York; and several nieces and nephews.

Bess was a long-time and active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill.  She loved her faith, she believed in her Lord God, and she loved the Cathedral; spending countless hours there volunteering, praying, and worshiping.  As a mother she was without equal in her unconditional love and devotion to her children.  Bess taught her boys to be self sufficient in all things including cooking, sewing, housekeeping, and household finances to name just a few.  She believed in living well and being happy in life unchained by material possessions.  Bess had her God and her children and she was happy in her life.

Among the many jobs Bess worked during her life she had two that stand out as her favorites.  She was a waitress at the Nationwide Inn in Harrisburg where she so enjoyed her work, her co-workers, and mostly her customers.  Following that job Bess worked in Strawberry Square as the cook extraordinaire at the 12 ^th Floor Snack Bar.  When she began that job the 7 ^th Floor Snack Bar was far more successful and the 12 ^th Floor Snack Bar was floundering.  It did not take long for Bess to change that with her homemade specialties which included her famous soups and lasagna.  Soon the 12 ^th Floor Snack Bar would become many people’s favorite place to eat.

All are welcome to join Bess’s family at her viewing on Monday, August 29, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, PA 17011; with the Reverend Father Michael Varvarelis and the Reverend Mark Lichtenstein celebrating.  Burial will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.

Bess’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bess’s full obituary and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com .