CHRISTENE PAPPAS

We were all blessed and made better by the life force and courageous spirit of Christene Michalopulos Pappas. Christene went to heaven in the same dignified and beautiful way that she lived her life surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday morning at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, following heart surgery. Waiting to greet Christene were her parents whom she adored, Dionysia and Mike Michalopulos; her husband, Nick Pappas; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Despina and Charles Pappas and brothers-in-law Theodore Greer and George Nicholas. Born to Greek immigrants, Christene went to school at Santa Rita and also in Greece. She spent her teenage years in the village of Gargalianos, Greece. She married her childhood neighbor and friend Nick Pappas on May 1, 1949 in San Angelo. Christene was a member of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Her life will be celebrated there Saturday, May 3rd, at 10AM. The prayer service will be Friday, May 2nd at 7PM at Johnson?s Funeral Home. No one better personified kindness, benevolence, perseverance and a spirit of servant hood than Christene Pappas. She epitomized elegance and class. If you were a guest in her home or the recipient of one of her cheesepies you experienced first hand her giving and genteel spirit. She and her mother returned to Greece after her dad?s death in 1936. While so very proud of her Greek heritage she cherished and was thankful for the refuge America gave her and her mother after narrowly escaping communist gunfire during WWII. She told the story of staying up all night to see the lights of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. She was so glad to be back in America. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. A master of many different types of cuisines, she always had an amazingly delicious Sunday lunch prepared for her family. She was a master of many Greek dishes in which we will greatly miss. She instilled strong morals in her family and was an example daily. Christene was well known for her ?famous cheesepies? in San Angelo and surrounding areas. She had a compassion for meticulously baking these pies and other pastries for everyone who had the honor of tasting one. She had many other diverse artistic talents. She loved time spent at the family farm. The cucumbers were her pride and joy for she produced the best pickles. She mentioned often the happiness that the garden brought her and also the solace and serenity she found at the family?s boathouse. She enjoyed working at San Angelo National Bank for several years as head bookkeeper. She loved working with her husband in their businesses, the Melody Club and the Town and Country Club. She spoke often and fondly of those days, the big name bands, and all the friendships cultivated there. So many people still talk about the club, its hamburgers and French fries, beautifully decorated dances, but most of all what a beautiful, poised and graceful presence Christene was as she walked beside the pool and other areas. She worked to make her home, the club and other civic functions exude beauty and stellar ambiance. If you entered the Pappas home, especially through the side door, you knew that you were in a very special place. Whether you were attending the traditional Christmas Eve parties or any other time, no one had the ability to make you feel welcome like Christene. She made you feel as if you were royalty and the dining was fit for a king. You felt the entire meal was completely in your honor. Christene had a great gift of compassion. When you would tell her your worries she was quick to retort that everything would be fine. She always looked for the best in others and we wanted to be the best she saw in us. Left behind to cherish wonderful memories, she will be dearly missed by her faithful children, son Mike Pappas; daughter, Deborah Henke and husband Dr. Clyde Henke; daughter Denise Jackson and husband Pat and her grandchildren Christina and Stephanie Jackson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Alexandra Greer; nephew, Father Elias Greer; great niece and nephew Katherine Manyai and Alex Greer. Sister-in-law Jean Nicholas of Dallas and cousins Helen Johnson and Lorene Michalopulos of Dallas. Her dear neighbor Candis Wells. Pam Medlin and Linda Parker who she also loved and claimed as her daughters. Precious mother, we will miss you and look so forward to being with you again, someday. What a blessed assurance and comfort for us today to know that those who live and die in the Lord never see each other for the last time. Go and rest and be blessed in knowing that we are carrying on as you would have wished. You have equipped us well to live life to the fullest. Memorials may be made to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, or a charity of your choice. Pallbearers include Tim Beys, Al Chakos, Charles Jackson, Doyle Henke, Mike Mitchell and Del Velasquez. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Kalaitzes and Steve Tefas and Dr. Milton Leon.

May 9, 2008
Eve Stovall
Dear Chrisine, will you look for Glen Stovall, in heaven? He has been up there 5mos. now. I can see him, busy finding all of his friends...He always thought, you were a beautiful, classy Lady....rest now, sweet Christine, and know you were, so loved...Your friend, Eve Stovall

May 5, 2008
Becky and Ron
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I always enjoyed seeing her at the Wheeler Reunion - she always seemed so full of life and cheer! I pray for God's blessings and comfort to be felt by you all during this time.

May 5, 2008
Deb Kellogg
Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how important your family is to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers always. Deb Kellogg

May 4, 2008
Rev. Elias Greer
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?... For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, ... nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death....for when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. And they continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories...and therefore, we find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. My family and I will miss you very much Te?a -- for you have made a difference in our lives.

May 2, 2008
lucy
My Deepest sympathy to Mike and Debbie. This is Lucy Gonzales Anaya. You were there for me when Chuck and Ken and my mom went to be with our Father God. Wish I could be there for you the same. I am in NYC now. May God Bless you and your loved ones. I often think of all of you. Keep safe . sincerely Lucy

May 2, 2008
Lucy Gonzales Anaya
Mike and Debbie my deepest simpathy, you were for me when chuck,ken and my mom went to the lord wish i could be there for you guys. Just be the family you alwayshave been and may god bless you all. I am in NYC now. I THINK OF ALL OF YOU OFTEN.Be safe. Love Lucy

May 1, 2008
Barbara Ryan
Christene was one of the most wonderful people in world. Her heart was always in the right place and her priority was always her family. I will miss her so much!

May 1, 2008
Jerry Orsak
Mike, my condolences go out to and your family! Your mother was truly an extraordinary lady and I have so many found memories of fun times and our days growing up together in San Angelo. Your parents were just the best! It is comforting to know she is at peace and with Our Heavenly Father!

May 1, 2008
Nan Henke
Christene is a sweet lady, in every sense of the word! God bless your family.

May 1, 2008
rebecc