Civic leader Bessie Gonos dies at 100

DOWNEY -- Bessie V. Gonos, who celebrated her 100th birthday last year, passed away Jan. 28. 

Born June 24, 1917, Gonos lived in Downey for over 60 years and was influential in the Downey community as a volunteer. She was a charter member of the Downey Emblem Club 309, sponsor of the Downey Theatre, involved in PTA, YMCA, member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and other organizations. 

Gonos grew up in a large family with two brothers and six sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Gonos, and son, James William Gonos. 

She is survived by her daughter, Georgia Gonos Ananias; son-in law, Dean Ananias; sister-in-law, Bessie Gonos; grandchildren, Valerie (Chris Manneh), Debbie (Jonathan Garcia) and Cindy Ananias; and two great-grandsons, Jonathan James and Zane William. 

Services will be held Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.