She was born in Somersworth, New Hampshire, on May 12, 1926, a daughter of George and Pota (Rizeakos) Mendros.
She was the seventh of 11 children. When she was a child, her family moved to Saco, where they settled. She was a graduate of Thornton Academy, Class of 1944.
After high school, Vasie was employed as a secretary/ bookkeeper for various local companies. She worked for a brief period in New York City. When she returned to Saco, she worked for Deering Lumber for several years.
On June 5, 1949, she married her husband, Paul, and they started their family. Vasie and Paul owned and operated Gregory’s Market in Old Orchard Beach for over 30 years.
Mrs. Caras was extremely proud of her Greek heritage. She was an active member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
For many years, she was a familiar face at the Greek Heritage Festival, Greek Bazaar and Sunday church coffee hour. She was a member and past president of St. Fotini Ladies Society.
Vasie and Paul’s greatest joy was their family, and they dedicated their lives to making a better life for their children.
Vasie was happiest when her house was full, and her heart and home were always open to family and friends. Her genuine and generous spirit was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Paul, on June 29, 2013; one grandson, Alexander, in 1994; two sisters, Toni and Katherine; and six brothers, Peter, Roy, Chris, John, Thomas and Harry.
She is survived by: six children, George, Louis and his former wife Jane, James and his wife Sheila, John and his wife Judy, Nicholas and his wife Laurie, and Margaret Gregoire and her husband Michael; a sister, Dorothy Pappavasiliou and husband George; a brother, James Mendros and his wife Nikki; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St., Saco. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 18, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco.
Burial will follow in St. Demetrios Cemetery in Biddeford.
To view Vasie’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit cotefuneralhome.com.
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