Bess Paparodis

Vaseleki (Bess) Ponos Paparodis of Milford, Ohio passed peacefully March 13, 2021 at the age of 91. She was born on April 18, 1929, to Theodore and Sophia Ponos in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, first generation Americans originally from Greece.

Bess devotedly raised her family in the Greek Orthodox Church. She was a long time member of the choir and a deeply spiritual person who leaned on her faith many times during her long life. A proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star and The Ladies Philoptochos Society. Her career varied from business owner to real estate agent where she won awards. Her most loved role was as mother and was pleased to become a grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd Miracle. She is survived by her children, Chris (Linda), Sophia, Theodore (Elizaberth), and Phillip (Kathy); her grandchildren, Nicole (Paul) Saridakis, Mary (David) Sullivan, Elizabeth (Robert) Paparodis-Brock, Jena (Alex) Prall, Teddy Paparodis; and five great-grandchildren, Spencer, Amelia, Zoey, Eliana and Alaric. She is also survived by her brother, James (Sofea) Panos and nieces and nephews.

Bess had natural talent and learned to play the piano quite well and especially loved dancing. She was an excellent Greek dancer and was often the one leading the line. She even learned to square dance an activity she enjoyed with her husband Boyd, the love of her life. Bess outlived the father of her four children and even a second husband yet was able to love again and felt the third time was charmed! Gathering around the dinner table with family and friends was her favorite way to spend time. She would start cooking up something whenever someone dropped by. An avid interest in politics meant she never missed a chance to vote. It was a thrill for her to live long enough to vote for and see President Biden elected.

A fondness of saddle shoes and penny loafers long after they went out of style was a trademark of Bess. She knew what she liked and what she didn't which made her a pleasure and easy to get to know and trust. Her intuition was remarkable when it came to people much to the dismay of her children. She did have eyes in back of her head! She dearly loved our family dogs and had two of her very own dog companions both named Max. Max I and Max II were Schnauzers who were extremely well loved and pampered dogs. They went for long walks daily in the Cincinnati Nature Center which may be why she lived into her nineties still walking although sometimes with the aid of a cane.

Family will receive visitors at John H. Evans Funeral Home in Milford, Ohio on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. with a Greek Orthodox service at 2:00 p.m. Internment immediately following the service. Masks will be required inside the funeral home.

Flowers are welcome or you may donate to the ASPCA or your local humane society in her honor. Bess will be missed by all who knew and loved her