Bessie Anton

Vasiliki (Bessie) Anton was lifted to heaven to be with Jesus on December 13, 2025,

at very nearly the age of 100 years old. The world she knew, called her “Mom”.

She was born in her own home in Roseville, CA, on January 24, 1926, being the daughter of two Greek immigrant parents, with brothers Nick and Gus. She graduated from High School and soon after she went to explore Cheyenne, Wyoming to help family with their restaurant business.

After a stint in banking, which she loved, she returned to California and was being sought after by one Thomas Anton. He soon proposed and they were married for 50 years, until his death in 1999. Together they had 5 children, Mike, Maria (who preceded Bessie in death), Lex, Thea and Nia.

Mom was blessed with a total of 29 grandchildren, including grands, great grands and great-great grands. Mom was cherished for her dedication to family and her many self-taught talents. She made beautiful wedding cakes. She always welcomed visitors with a meal and her infectious smile.

She was a Sunday School teacher for years at the Greek Orthodox Church and was the baker at the Greek Orthodox Church summer youth camp for several years.

Bessie was called “Mom” to those who had no actual DNA to her because her life’s mission was to have a house full of kids to love and to influence. Her greatest influence was to make kids feel loved, accepted and welcomed into her home, and to add value to their lives. Mission accomplished!

After raising her family, she started a career with Mary Kay Cosmetics to continue making people feel good and valued through beauty. She earned 8 cars in her career and retired after nearly 30 years, well respected and loved by her colleagues.

Words can never express the love and loss that our family feels, and yet, because of “Mom” we do not grieve like those in life who have no hope without Jesus.

1st Thessalonians 4:13. May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, Mom’s request was for donations to be made to the Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Society via the church website or mail.