Bessie (Valcanas) Poulos, 79, affectionately known as "Yiayia", of South Dartmouth died Wednesday May 28, 2003 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Dr. John Poulos.

Born in Lowell, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Dina (Lampropoulos) Valcanas, she had lived in New Bedford for most of her life.

Mrs. Poulos was a very active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Bedford, where she was a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society and a member of the Church choir.

She was a graduate of Lowell High School.

Her treasures in life were her five daughters and her ten grandchildren, of which her greatest joy was sharing in their everyday lives. She lived her life through her strong commitment and faith in God. Her genuine smile and kindness warmed the hearts of many.

She is survived by her five loving daughters, Dorothea Correia, and her husband Arthur, of Freetown, Gloria Hebert and her husband Gerald, of New Bedford, Connie Rodrigues and her husband Edward, of Acushnet, Joanne Costa and her husband Marty, and Victoria Kelleher and her husband Thomas, all of South Dartmouth; and ten devoted grandchildren, Katie and Annie Hebert, both of New Bedford, Nicholas Correia of Freetown, Rebecca, Gretchen and Ryan Rodrigues, all of Acushnet, and Jonathan and Stephanie Costa and Lauren and Michael Kelleher, all of South Dartmouth.She was the sister of the late Charles Valcanas, Ernest Valcanas, Peter Valcanas, and Marie Kakides.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordMonday June 2, 2003 at 9 AM.Funeral Service at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 87 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday June 1, 2003 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.