Helen Mae Pappas' Obituary
Helen Mae (Panou) Pappas, born December 12, 1928, in Riverside, California, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 95 years old.
Helen grew up amidst the rustic beauty of central California on one of the region's pioneering Greek Feta Cheese Goat Farms in Atascadero, where she shared her childhood with 12 siblings. She attended Arroyo Grande High School, where she participated in Softball and Soccer. Helen's upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the joys of rural life. She later worked for the Burroughs Corporation and managed the Elmendorf Air Force Base Restaurant in Alaska.
In 1951, Helen married her beloved husband, Michael P. Pappas, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and service to others. Michael, a highly decorated serviceman, served our great country in the Army for 20 years, which introduced the Pappas family to diverse locales such as Alaska, Colorado, Texas, Oregon, Michigan, Massachusetts and Germany.
Helen and Michael were blessed with four beautiful children, and their journey as a military family was marked by fun, resilience, camaraderie, and a spirit of exploration. Despite the challenges of frequent relocations, Helen's steadfast support and unwavering love provided a stable and loving foundation for their family.
Throughout her life, Helen embodied the values of family, Greek heritage, kindness, generosity, and compassion. Her warm smile, exuberant demeanor, and genuine greetings endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Helen never met a stranger. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend to many. She enjoyed volunteering at the Greek Orthodox Church, and supported Wounded Warriors and the Disabled Veteran’s. Helen loved crocheting, cooking, Greek music, Greek dancing, but most of all, she loved being an Adelfi, Gynaika, Matera, and YiaYia.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Angelena and George Panou, husband Michael P. Pappas, children Sophie and George Pappas, and grandson Michael Hall. She leaves behind her devoted daughters, Dena Pappas from Gilbert, Arizona, and Diana Pappas from San Diego, sister Georgia Silva from, Fresno California, granddaughter Kristina Rose Pappas, grandsons Chad and Michael Peter Pappas, great-grandson Chad Alexander Pappas and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Helen Mae (Panou) Pappas leaves behind legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her grace.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 4th, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 11:00 am. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd, from 6-9 pm. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Miramar National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s San Diego or Wounded Warrior Project at 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego.
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