Dorothy “Dot” Petsagourakis (nee Slater), 69, was called home by our Lord on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, to enjoy eternal life with her predeceased husband Nikolaos “Nick or Nikos.” She passed peacefully at McLeod Health Loris after a brief illness. 

 Born a Navy “brat” in New York City to Robert and Ethel “Betty” Slater, Dot was the big sister to Bobby, Jimmy, Harry, and Dave. Dot’s childhood was spent wrangling her brothers—affectionately referred to as Slater’s Raiders—as the family moved between Jacksonville, Miami Beach, and finally Bayhead, NJ. She met her love Niko, a chef, around 1976 while waitressing at the Skyway Diner in Kearny, NJ. The couple later operated the snack bar at the Hanover Lanes bowling alley and eventually owned the popular Denville, NJ, storefront diner Nick’s Place, where Dot was known for her baking talents. In her older years, Dot drove a school bus for the Mount Olive School District and often remarked joyfully about the greetings she received each morning from her young passengers. 

 Three years ago, Dot and Nick moved to Loris, SC, where they strolled the beach almost daily in retirement. The family extends special gratitude to the Dempsey Drive community who made two “Yankees” feel right at home and to the Global Baptist Church with whom they formed a strong spiritual covenant. 

 Dot was a proud Irish-American woman but adopted many of the Petsagourakis’ Greek customs, including fulfilling her role as Yiayia to grandchildren Anthony, Calvin (who filled in as Dot’s best friend and handyman after Nick’s passing), and Sophie Wagner, and Julia and John Rossi. Dot is survived by her brothers and two loving daughters, Laura Wagner (Timothy) of Denville and Despina Rossi (Michael) of Stroudsburg, PA. 

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, at 2 p.m., at Global Baptist Church, 6079 SC-66, Loris, SC 29569. A celebration of life for Dot and Nick will also be held in New Jersey on August 24 (Dot’s birthday). The time and location will be announced later. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dot’s beloved congregation, Global Baptist Church, 6079 SC-66, Loris, SC 29569, ATTN: Rev. Kyle Powell.

Together with their families, their daughters invite all to a celebration of Life Service for their beloved parents on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 4-7 pm, drop in or stay, at Boonton Elks Lodge located at 125 Cornelia Street, Boonton NJ 07005. please share a memory or the fellowship of a meal and a drink (provided, but BYO desserts are welcome).

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach is assisting the family with her arrangements.