Bessie Zarafonitis Stroh

Bessie Zarafonitis Stroh, social worker, educator, and writer, died Thursday, June 18, 2026. She was 69.

She lived in Fort Washington with her husband of 33 years, Justin G. Stroh.

Bess was born on February 19, 1957, in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, the daughter of Ruth Wilbur Kingsley and Peter Louis Zarafonits. The youngest of three children, she spent her childhood in Rhode Island, where she developed a lifelong love for the beach—an enduring affection she carried throughout her life. She attended North Kingstown High School, where she played the flute in the marching band.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, with a minor in English, from the University of Rhode Island, Bess started her career as a journalist. She worked for several publications in Rhode Island and Connecticut, where she was respected among colleagues for her intelligence, compassion, and integrity as a reporter. She was a gifted writer. She later received a Master of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University and went on to teach journalism courses at the University of Rhode Island. Throughout her early career as a journalist and educator, Bess touched many through her thoughtful writing and commitment to her students.

In 1993, Bess married Justin Stroh. Together, they raised their two children in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, and later in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Bess' greatest joy was her family. She was a dedicated and loving mother, a beloved wife, and a wonderful friend to many who will miss her dearly.

In 2010, Bess earned a Master of Social Work from Temple University. Bess dedicated her life to advocating for victims of domestic violence, educating both communities and professionals about promoting healthy relationships and interventions to help adult and child victims of partner and family violence.

In addition to her husband, Bess is survived by her daughters, Virginia Stroh of New York City and Kingsley Stroh of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and her sisters, Lorena Pesek of Chicago, Illinois, and Georgia Zarafonitis of Charlestown, Rhode Island.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 East Chestnut Hill Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Musical preludes will begin at 10:30 a.m.