Obituary of Bertha Baskous

Schenectady - Bertha Caranikas Baskous passed away on February 21, 2014, after a brief illness. She was 85 years old. Bertha was born in Schenectady to Christ and Fanny (Moskos) Caranikas. She graduated with honors from Nott Terrace High School, and attended St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, New York, where she received a diploma in Greek language and culture. Bertha had many happy memories and lifelong friends from her years at St. Basil's. Following her three-year program at St. Basil's Academy, Bertha taught Greek at Greek Orthodox church schools in Binghamton, New York, and Dayton, Ohio. She then worked as a secretary at the General Electric Research Lab in Schenectady, where she spent many enjoyable years working with patent attorneys and scientists. While employed at General Electric, Bertha attended Russell Sage College where she received bachelor of arts and master of science degrees in education. Bertha married Athan Tom Baskous in 1973 after a delightful courtship that included square dancing. Soon after her marriage, Bertha went into the teaching field, starting as a substitute teacher at the secondary level. She became a reading lab manager, and taught English as a Second Language classes as well as GED classes in Schenectady. Bertha was strict with her students, but they quickly learned she was dedicated to helping them with their education, whether they were in a high school classroom, or the county jail. Bertha was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Schenectady all her life. As an adult, Bertha conducted the choir and played the organ at church services. She served as the church secretary for four years. Bertha belonged to the Schenectady Racquet Club, playing in women's tennis leagues as well as partnering with her husband in doubles tennis. Bertha was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Constantine Caranikas. She leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Athan Baskous; her stepson, Dr. Alexander Baskous, his wife, Maria and their three children, Ihanos, Dena and Aristotle; and stepdaughter, Patricia Lambert, her husband, David and their children, Steven and Holly (Stephen Reilly); and three great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Benjamin and Alexander. Bertha is also survived by niece, Fanny Caranikas and her husband, Richard Walker and their two children, niece, Alexis Caranikas and her three children, nephew, James Caranikas and his wife, Shelly and their two children. Calling hours will be at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady on Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.