Joan Beletsis
After years of valiant effort, Joan Beletsis succumbed to cancer July 10 at Eastern Long Island Hospital. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Spiro, only three months earlier.
In her final days Joan took comfort in the knowledge that her Spiro would be there to welcome her into eternity. More than at peace, Joan is happy to be home, in Spiro’s loving embrace once again.
In life, Joan was an avid gardener and many of her most special moments were spent in the solitude of her garden, among the living things she helped to nurture. Here on earth, many of her most special moments were also spent with living beings she helped nurture as sister, wife, mother, an aunt, a grandmother, neighbor and friend.
While those of us left behind are, of course, saddened by Joan’s passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is beyond suffering and pain now and that she made it to her final rest in time to share her 62nd wedding anniversary on July 22 with her Spiro.
Final services for Joan Beletsis took place Saturday, July 13, in Greenport at Sts. Anargyroi, Taxiarchis & Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church. On that day Joan’s life was celebrated by family and friends who will remember her forever.
Joan was defined by her love of family, friends, books, the culinary arts and her status as a Master Gardener. Joan so loved the wonders and tranquility of her seaside garden in Pebble Beach, East Marion, where she shepherded her plantings through each season’s beautiful transition. If she wasn’t in her garden, she could be found in the greenhouse reading or quickly solving the most challenging crossword puzzle in her daily New York Times. Born in Manhattan on Oct. 20, 1930, Joan received her Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College and a Master of Arts in Library Science from Queens College. She made her career as an acquisitions librarian at the New York Society Library in Manhattan.
Joan is survived by her children: her son John and his wife, Andrea; her daughter Cleo; her daughter Stamy and her, husband, Robert Coscia; and her son Spiro C. Joan leaves two granddaughters, Nicole and Jeanette; her sister Euterpe Kalantjakos of Athens, Greece; and many wonderful neighbors, friends and loving relatives.
Her family will be ever grateful to cousins Anthea, Danny, George, Joan and Nik and, most of all, to Bill, Steve, Ken, Paul, Christine, Anna and George — all honorary Beletsi. Additionally, the family is indebted to Maureen Ringold, Pastor Bob and all the other wonderful and caring professionals at Eastern Long Island Hospital, East End Hospice and PBMC visiting nurse service.
While Joan may have left this earth, she will be with all of us in spirit and we will see her in every flower that grows.
Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home.
This is a paid notice.
