FEURA BUSH — Bessie Argiris was close to her family, doting over her niece and nephew and caring for her aging parents.

“She just was a very loving aunt,” said her nephew, Raymond Vadney.

Bessie Argiris died on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013. She was 84.

Ms. Argiris graduated from Bethlehem Central High School and worked as a clerk for the University of Albany’s education department. She started when she was about 18 years old, her nephew said, and retired about 30 years ago.

Ms. Argiris was a member of the Onesquethaw Reformed Church for many years.

Her mother and father emigrated from Greece when they were young and ran a restaurant in New Scotland, Mr. Vadney said. When her parents were older, Ms. Argiris took care of them in the home the three of them shared.

“Thanksgiving was our special family gathering,” said Mr. Vadney. “That’s still my favorite holiday, because of her, and my grandparents, and my cousin.”

Mr. Vadney called Ms. Argiris his “second mother,” whom he saw at least weekly growing up. She took her niece and nephew for rides, to get ice cream, or to see a movie.

 “She treated us like we were her own children,” he said.

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Bessie Argiris is survived by her sister, Rosemary Vadney of Feura Bush; her nieces and nephews, Paul Argiris Jr. of Delmar, Raymond Vadney of Virginia, Debbie Romeo of Feura Bush, and Rose Ann Beck of Freehold; her nine great-nieces and great-nephews, and ten great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Her brother, Paul Argiris Sr., died before her.

 The family thanks Dr. Scott Beegle and Dr. David Shaffer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New York Oncology Group, 1003 Loudon Rd., Box 610, Latham, NY 12110.

The funeral was held on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Onesquethaw Reformed Church in Feura Bush. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

— Marcello Iaia