SOPHIA BENDO

We are sad to announce the passing of Sophia Bendo on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after nearly 105 remarkable years on this earth—years she filled with faith, family, style, and strong opinions. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas Bendo, her daughter Catherine Sioukas, her brother and sister Leon and Mary, and her daughter-in-law Denise Bendo. She is survived by her sons Norman Bendo and Gary Bendo, daughter-in-law Rosalba Bendo, son-in-law Anthony Sioukas, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her: Thomas Bendo (daughter Julianna), Athena Ole (sons Lachlan, Ben, and Josh, and husband Rich), Christina Valentine (sons Matthew and Nicholas, and husband Joe), Alexander Sioukas, Christopher Sioukas (children Olivia and Nico, and wife Alissa), and Emmanuel Sioukas.

Sophia was born on April 19, 1921, in Kastoria, Greece, to Argyrios and Antiklia Strezou, and immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1922. She grew up in Astoria, Queens, where she was both a proud Greek and a proud New Yorker—balancing church, community, and the occasional teenage decision to cut school to see Frank Sinatra, her favorite of all-time singer (a choice she never regretted). She married Thomas Bendo, also Kastorian, in 1938, and together they raised their family in Inwood, Manhattan. Sophia was an active member—and at one time President—of the Benevolent Society Ladies of Kastoria, and spent summers in the “Greek” Catskill Mountains surrounded by family, friends, food, and spirited conversation. She embraced the classic New York life, attending Broadway shows regularly and ensuring she was properly dressed for every dance, celebration, or important occasion.

A phenomenal cook of traditional Greek dishes, Sophia firmly believed no one ever left her table hungry—and if they did, it was their own fault. She lived for her family, was deeply loved and adored by her husband, and anchored her life in faith, tradition, and fierce love. Yiayia Sophia was truly a force to be reckoned with.  She will be missed beyond words.

May her memory be eternal, and may she rest in God’s perpetual light. 

On Monday Feb 9, 2026 a viewing will be held at 1030am and a Funeral Service at 1130am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 10 Mill Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10804.  A burial service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery at 50 Jackson Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY following the funeral.