Victoria Besseghini

Victoria Hania Besseghini, M.D., age 87, of Buffalo, New York entered into rest March 11, 2016 after a brief illness. She was born in Athens, Greece on April 2, 1928 to the late Nikos and Maria (Adamaki) Hania of Athens and Sitia (Crete), Greece. Victoria is survived by her daughter - Maria (Joseph) Baker, her grandchildren - Andrew (Catherine Scrivo) Baker and Alexandra Baker, her great-granddaughter - Ellory Baker, her sister - Demetria/Tula (late Stavros) Kapokaki of Athens, Greece, her dearest relative Colleen (late Italo) and Lara Besseghini, as well as dearest nieces, a nephew, numerous Cousins and relations who reside in Greece, Italy, England and throughout the USA and her many wonderful, close friends. Victoria received her Medical Degree from the University of Athens in Athens, Greece in 1954. From 1955-1960 she completed Residencies in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Athens Hospital, Greece, an Internship at St. Johns Long Island City Hospital, and Residencies in Psychiatry at Central Islip Hospital, NY and the New York School of Psychiatry. She and her former husband, the late Dr. Italo Besseghini, moved to Western New York in 1963, and her career continued. Victoria was a Psychiatrist at Buffalo Psychiatric Center where she served as Unit Chief for the Children's and Adolescent Day Treatment Units from 1967-1979. Victoria served as Director of the newly opened Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center in West Seneca from 1979-1982. She worked as an advocate for the rights of children and adolescents and their access to mental health services. Victoria was also a psychiatric consultant to many community organizations, public schools, and state agencies including: Child & Family Services, Baker Victory Services, Mid-Erie, St. Mary's School for the Deaf, Conner's Children Center, Hopevale, Autistic Services, Erie County Forensic Mental Health Clinic, Erie County Medical Center, and Children's Hospital. She also maintained a private practice. She was a Clinical Instructor and Assistant Professor with the Department of Psychiatry at SUNY Buffalo, and a Clinical Case Conference Facilitator with Erie County and BOCES, where she trained and mentored many students and practicing clinicians at all levels in the field of mental health. Victoria served on the boards and advisory panels of numerous agencies, including Transitional Services, Compeer West, Erie County Council on Children and Families, the Erie County Mental Health Association and Children's Consortium, and the SUNY Medical School Faculty Council In addition to her fulfilling career, Victoria received many awards and distinctions. She was elected Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and honored as Life Member of the American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry. She received Mental Health Association of Erie County Hyman L. Levin Award In Recognition of Outstanding Service (1984); the Compeer West Googie Butler Award In Recognition of Volunteer Services as a Professional (1984); the Distinguished Service Award from Amity House and Transitional Services. Victoria also had an exciting and adventurous personal life. She loved music, the arts, travel, and learning. She was a member of various opera and music societies, and numerous book and social clubs. She traveled extensively throughout the world, exploring every continent except Antarctica. After retirement, she would spend three to seven months of each year in Greece and visited Florida a few weeks in winter. Many friends and family members accompanied her on these journeys. She was also a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Victoria was a loving and generous woman who was straightforward and pragmatic. She took risks but was often quite traditional. She was fortunate to have wonderful friends and family, who helped her maintain a busy social calendar and made her feel loved. Hers was a life well lived and without misgivings. Services will be held at The Chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1411 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 1-4PM with a memorial service at 2PM.