Rodothea (Bassia) Markantonakis

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the matriarch of our family, Rodothea Markantonakis. Born in Prines Salinou, Crete, Greece on March 27th, 1931. Rodothea was the beloved wife of Eleftherios Markantonakis, and a wonderful mother to her three daughters, Maria Lees, Joeann Florence, and Nia Markantonakis. She was also a loving mother-in-law to Stanley Dobrowski and Robert Lees. She will be greatly missed by her four grandchildren, Farina Lees and her spouse Mike Dean, Steven Lees, Taylor Gageby, and Nicholas Florence. She was blessed with one great-grandchild, Louis Carlin Dean, who brought her immense joy. Our family would like to acknowledge the special bond she shared with Jacqueline Lees, whose companionship was a source of love & laughter throughout decades of life. 

Rodothea's extending olive branch of generosity touched the lives, hearts, and stomachs of many. Her love extended into her amazing traditional Cretan dishes, and there was always an open door, and a hot plate waiting for you and a friend at Rodothea's. Dishes would be garnished with fresh herbs from the garden, as one of Rodothea's favorite ways to spend time was in the garden with her husband, Eleftherios. Whether in Greece, or in the States, neighbors and strangers alike would stop in awe of their gardens. 

Rodothea's cherished memories began to diminish alongside a long-standing battle with dementia, that ended peacefully on June 22nd, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Rodothea's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, at alz.org. 

Viewing and services will be held on Monday, June 30th, at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. Located at 22 St. George Road., Springfield, MA 01104. Viewing will begin at 10:00am. Services will begin at 11:00am.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.