Helen Pappas

Helen Mihailides Pappas, 99 of Providence and Highland Beach,  passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020 at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence surrounded by her loving children. 

Born on January 2, 1921 to Rev. Peter and Presbytera Calliope (Lytrotis) Mihailides in Nysiros (Dodecanese Islands) Greece, she immigrated to the United States in 1927 at the age of 6.

Helen learned to love the Church at a very early age due to the fact that the family lived next to the Annunciation Church on Pine Street where her father served as Pastor for 35 years.

At the age of 12 she began singing in the Church Choir and later played the organ as a substitute as well as leading the choir. She also belonged to many of the youth groups.  As she grew older she became involved with the Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, International Institute, Church Women United and Hellenic Women’s Benevolent Association.  She served as President of the Philoptochos Society for 18 years and also served on the Diocesan Philoptochos Board and the Sisterhood of St. Basil’s Academy.  During her Philoptochos Presidency she was instrumental together with the Diocese of Boston in bringing a family of 5 from Greece who settled here in Providence.

During those years she received many awards  for her years of service to the Philoptochos and the Annunciation Church. 

Among those awards she received were the Medal of Saint Paul,  the Laity Award for Outstanding service to the Annunciation Church given by the Diocese of Boston. Just recently Helen was honored for her 70 years of service to her Church Choir by the Metropolis of Boston Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.  His Eminence also presented Helen with the St. John of Damascus Award for that service.

During her presidency in Philoptochos she served on many committees.  For many years she was in charge of decorating the Epitaphios for Good Friday.  Also serving on the Icon Committee for the new Church on Oaklawn Avenue and served on the 100th Anniversary Commerative Album Committee. 

Lest we forget her many tireless hours of making Diples for both the Festival and Philoptochos Bazaar.

Helen was married to her husband Ernest Gus Pappas for 73 years until his death in 2018. She is survived by her daughter Georgia J Pappas and her son Gus Pappas and his wife Joanne.  She also leaves behind a brother George Mihailides of Barrington and his wife Olga.  She was also the sister of the late Emmanuel Mihaildes and his late wife Bessie (Vardakis) Mihailides,  plus many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

For us to list all of Helen’s accomplishments throughout her life, would be impossible.  Her love for her Church, and family exemplify what a truly remarkable woman she was.

Due to current health and safety regulations calling hours are omitted. Her Funeral will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Mihailides Center of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church,  175 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, seating will be limited. Her service will be live streamed for family and friends.  For all of those in attendance social distancing and face masks are required. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Endowment Fund of the Church of the Annunciation, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

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