Bessie A. Goumas' Obituary
Bessie Goumas, Licking County’s finest chocolatier extraordinaire has passed on to be with Jesus at 94 years young. Bessie was born in Newark on May 30,1921 to Greek immigrants George and Angela Stamas, the original chocolatier in Licking County.
Bessie lived her long life with pride and dignity in everything she did. She was a pillar of strength in her family and community; a true matriarch. Bessie’s faith was extremely strong, a life-long member of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral she faithfully served the Lord. She met the love of her life, Gus Goumas and married him on May 23, 1948. Together they raised four children and built one of the strongest standing businesses in the area, The Original Goumas Candyland. She graduated from Newark High School and attended the Ohio State University before returning to help her father at the family business, then known as The Busy Bee. She was a member of Monday Talks, Daughters of Penelope, and enjoyed volunteering at the Greek Festival. Bessie was a true lady of grace. She was well traveled, cultured and enjoyed the finer things in life. Her favorite place to be was around the dinner table surrounded by the family that loved her.
In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gus Goumas; a brother, James Stamas; and her sister and best friend Helen Tsitouris.
Bessie will be sadly missed and her memory cherished by her oldest son, George (Marilyn) Goumas; daughter, Viann (Michael) Yankulov; grandchildren, Patty (John) Durbin, Keely (Tony) Perry, Alicia Yankulov, Annette (Cory) Price and Gustin Goumas; great grandchildren that loved their Yia Yia and always made her smile, Olivia, Maxwell, Alexis, and Gabriella. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and sons, Soc and Greg Goumas.
The family would also like to thank the warm and loving staff and her friends at The Oaks at Bethesda in Zanesville for giving Bessie the best last year of life that she could ask for.
Friends and family may call 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at VENSIL & CHUTE FUNERAL HOME, 1850 W. Main Street, Newark.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street, Columbus with Rev. Fr. Demetrios Gardikes officiating. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newark.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bessie’s name to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
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