Nicky Bottos passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, February 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was 71 years old. Nicky was born in Athens, Greece, on May 17, 1951, to Apostolos and Roussa Kaxeris, along with her two sisters Christina (Yianni) Konsoulas and Katina (Theodoros) Argiti. She was the devoted wife of George and a loving mother to Peggy (John) Galiatsatos, Marina (Argyris) Liapis, Daisy (Harry) Diavastis, and Pauline (Joe) Stromberg. She was an adored Yiayia to her ten grandchildren.
When she was 16, Nicky lost her father, her best friend, but could always rely on her feisty mother, Roussa. Nicky met the love of her life George at the festival of Agia Marina in Ilioupoli. George later emigrated to the United States and returned to Greece to marry Nicky on August 23, 1970. They soon left for the US, where they ran several pizza shops and raised their four daughters. Nicky worked hard alongside her husband to provide the best for their daughters. Her family was everything, but she was also that to everyone who knew her. Nicky was an extraordinary human being, putting others’ needs before her own. Her house and heart were always open to anyone and everyone. She was everyone’s confidant and number-one supporter.
Always focused on her faith, Nicky was a devoted member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, PA. This was her second home. Not only a member of Philoptochos, but she was also their president for many years. Her dedication to the festival was to be admired as the first person there and the last to go home. Her devotion and tireless efforts were an inspiration to everyone. She was a pillar to this community, and it will never be the same without her. She was also an active member of the Daughters of Penelope.
Nicky’s most significant role was being a Yiayia. Her ten grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was such a caring and cool Yiayia providing each child the love and support that each one needed individually. She made every holiday special for them and everyone she loved with her delicious meals, pastries, and warm heart.
Nicky’s character never wavered, even when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 15 months ago. She fought this awful disease with faith, strength, and dignity, never complaining about the awful pain that she was in and always providing comfort to her family to get through this. That was Nicky Bottos.
Nicky is survived by her beloved husband, George A. Bottos; her daughter Peggy (John) Galiatsatos; her daughter Marina (Argyris) Liapis; her daughter Daisy (Harry) Diavastis; her daughter Pauline (Joe) Stromberg; grandchildren, Nikki, Sofia, Gregory, George, Christina, Steven, Melina, Evan, Emily, and Yianna. Nicky is also survived by her sister Katina (Theodoros) Argiti, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many beloved nieces and nephews who love and miss her dearly.
Her viewing and funeral will take place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church located at 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082, on Thursday, February 23, 2023, starting from 10:00 am. The viewing will be held until 12 pm, and the funeral service will commence at 12 pm. Following the service, the interment will be held at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA, 19064.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.