Diana C. Kostis Bourlessas

Diana C. Bourlessas, 90, of Sanford, Me. died Sunday evening September 1, 2002 at the Newton Center in Sanford.Mrs. Bourlessas was born on July 5th, 1912 in Salem, Ma. She was the daughter of Charles and Joan Augustinos Kostis. She was raised in Sanford, Me. and attended local schools. She is a graduate of Sanford High School and attended beautician school after her graduation. She worked as a hairdresser until her marriage to Harry S. Bourlessas on April 19, 1942. Together they opened the Town Grille Restaurant in the Kostis block of Main St. in Sanford. For several years Diana and her husband labored 24 hours a day at the restaurant, keeping it open for the servicemen and women helping in the war effort. In 1955 the business was lost to a fire, but was rebuilt and opened again for several more years. In 1964 Mrs. Bourlessas, her husband and his two brothers opened Peter's Galley in Wells, Me. She remained on as a partner until her husbands passing in 1970. Following his passing She and her daughter operated several area restaurants.Mrs. Bourlessas also worked part-time for Sprague electric during her semi-retirement.She was a communicant of St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church in Saco; where she was a member of the Hellenic Ladies Society. She was a Town Meeting Member, and attended many local Democratic functions. In her spare time she enjoyed going to the movies, reading, dinning out and sharing in the company of her daughter. She also greatly enjoyed the company of her Maine Coon Cat "Honey".Predeceasing her is her husband Harry, and two sisters, Georgiana Markos and Mary Mathews.Surviving is her daughter Joan Bourlessas of Sanford and several cousins.A period of visitation will be held on Tuesday September 3rd at the Heald Funeral Home in Springvale, Me from 6 to 8 PM. On Wednesday the 4th please meet the family at St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church in Saco for a funeral service. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Demetrios G.O. Church, 186 Bradley St., Saco, Me 04072, or the Animal Welfare Society, PO Box 43, W. Kennebunk, Me. 04094.