Eleni Pappas

1938 - 2025

Eleni Pappas
November 17, 2025
Eleni Pappas (née Kasimati), age 87, fell asleep in the Lord's arms on November 17, 2025, at her home in Woodbridge, Connecticut. Born in the village of Galatas near Chania, Crete, Eleni grew up surrounded by natural beauty and traditions in her beloved Greek homeland. In the late 1960s, Eleni left post-war Greece in search of opportunity and a better life in the United States. With determination, humility, and an unwavering work ethic, she built a life defined by devotion to God, family, love, and grace. She worked as a seamstress and, later, alongside her husband, John, helping to establish and run the family restaurant. Eleni's work ethic was exemplary. She faced many challenges throughout her life: difficult circumstances, long hours, and burdens that would have discouraged most and, yet, she met all with quiet strength and dignity. She seldom complained and carried herself with resilience that inspired everyone around her. Eleni was an exceptionally generous, giving, and selfless person. At the restaurant, when an occasional customer did not have enough money to pay, she would often insist that they be given food anyway.
Her kindness and compassion were innate. She was a dedicated and faithful member of the Greek Orthodox Church throughout her life. While raising her family in Massachusetts, she volunteered at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield, generously offering her time, service, and cooking to the parish community. Later in life, when she moved to Connecticut to help care for her grandchildren, she became an active part of the community at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange. Known for her exceptional Greek cooking and baking, Eleni filled her home with warmth, hospitality, and the aromas of traditional dishes and pastries prepared with love. She nurtured her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends with the same devotion she brought to every aspect of her life. Eleni is survived by her husband, John Pappas, her children, Dr. Estell (Paul Dalakas) and William (Mara Davis); and her grandchildren, Georgia, John, and Archimedes. She was predeceased by her parents and five siblings. Her legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and love for family will continue to guide all who were blessed to know her.
May her memory be eternal.
Arrangements are entrusted to Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm Street, New Haven, CT. Wake (Visitation): Monday, November 24, 2025, 11:00AM, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT. Funeral Service: Monday, November 24, 2025, 12:00PM St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Interment: To be announced. Online condolences: http://www.celentanofuneralhome.com . Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (Orange, CT).