SACO — Bessie M. Pipinias, 97, of Saco, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

She was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on June 17, 1918, a daughter of Joseph and Viola (Alepi) Margone. She graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School, Class of 1936. In 1937, she attended the Golden School of Beauty Culture in Biddeford.

Bessie married her husband Fred on Sept. 9, 1945. Their home was always open for family and friends to gather.

She owned and operated Bessie’s Beauty Shop on Main Street in Old Orchard Beach for many years.

Her hobbies included reading, writing and oil painting.

Bessie was a member of the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society. She volunteered for the Saco Food Pantry, The Pines, Southern Maine Medical Center and Kennedy School.

Mrs. Pipinias was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox in Saco.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Fred on June 24, 2001; one sister, Penelope Rooney; and one brother, John Margarones.

She is survived by: two sons John Pipinias of Eliot, and Joseph Pipinias of Stratham, New Hampshire; two daughters, Clauda Sienko and her husband James, and Lynda Ogden and her husband Austin, both of Saco. She is also survived by: five grandchildren, Allyson, Marni, Celina, Darcy, Joshua and Alexandra; 10 greatgrandchildren; one sister, Clara Margone; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17, with the Trisagion Prayer Service at 5 p.m. at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St., Saco. A Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 18 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in St. Demetrios Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Bessie’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to the Saco Food Pantry, P.O. Box 246, Saco, ME, 04072.