Helen Pappas

The sweetest spirit departed from her Earthly bonds on October 12, 2022.  Helen Pappas, 93, passed away peacefully in Loveland, CO surrounded by her daughter, Pam, and son-in-law Mike Roberts, with whom she resided for the past 18 years.  Also present were her son, Greg Pappas, and his wife, Dawn.

Helen Drossos was born on Jan. 4, 1929 in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to Greek immigrant parents, Aristedes and Panagoula (Theofanopoulo) Drossos.  She was the youngest of three daughters, preceded in death of sisters Georgia (Drossos) Kemper and Margaret Mary (Drossos) Kanas.

Helen attended Bingham Elementary School, Bingham Jr. High, and Bingham High School graduating in 1947.  She was active in many organizations including The Minorettes’ Pep Club, Glee Club, Camera Club and performed as a drum majorette for several years. The Drossos family moved to Salt Lake City in 1948.  After high school, Helen worked summers at the Paris Company and later as a full-time assistant secretary at Home Insurance.

As an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Helen worked many church conventions and events.  In 1949 at a GOYA multi-state basketball tournament in SLC, she met and fell in love with a handsome Greek boy from Denver, CO, Michael Gregory Pappas.  Helen and Mike were married on June 11, 1950 and thus began a beautiful 45-year union in Denver, CO until Mike’s death in 1995.  Mike and Helen had three children, Pamela (Pappas) Roberts, Michael Arris Pappas (dcd. 2015), and Gregory George Pappas.

Helen was the epitome of a stay-at-home Mom.  Well-known, and often teased, about how immaculate her home was by 9:00 am, Helen took great pride in her family.  She was a true friend to many, compassionate listener, and inspiration as a mentor sharing her wisdom of life and love to anyone seeking direction.  During the child-rearing years, Helen was an active member of the community serving as PTA secretary, KEGS (Kiwanis), crafted great ceramics, and played bridge.  Most notable was her solid participation and support of her husband Mike’s career paths and many hobbies including playwriting, directing, and producing plays for the Greek Orthodox Church for over 40 years.

Helen compiled dozens of photo albums of her family vacations, exotic cruises to all corners of the world, and extended-family holidays.  After the adult children married, Helen worked part-time for Mi Cheri Boutique as a salesperson, receptionist at Resolution Trust, and secretary for Powers Elevation.  Helen’s #1 priority and greatest joy was her family.  She was a loving YiaYia to six grandchildren:  Caron Demos (Trifon), Brian Brooks (Catherine), Michael Ashton Pappas (Ashley), Peter Pappas, Dean Pappas, Alexis Smith (Clinton).  Helen was blessed with three great-grandchildren:  Gianna Demos, John Demos, and Eleni Pappas.  Survivors include nieces:  Artemis (Fotinos) Eudy, Angela (Fotinos) Elliott, Cheryl (Kemper) Burnam, Linda (Pappas) Cahoon, Marlene Pappas, Monica (Pappas) Adams and nephews, Randy Kemper, George Pappas (dcd) and Gus Milonakis and Vasily Milonakis.  Helen had two godsons, Michael Milonas and John Touris in addition to numerous nieces and nephews residing in Greece.

Helen Pappas will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for her altruistic demeanor, generous nature, unwavering love of family, revered friendships, optimistic outlook on life, and deep faith.

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