Frances M. Pappas

Frances "Fran" Pappas (Metropulos), 98, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. She was born September 19, 1927, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Fran lived a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her Church, family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, George (Sandy), Chris (Cindy), James (Sandi), and Peter (Leslie); grandchildren, Marina, Dean, Luke (Michelle), Joshua and her many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Pete, parents Peter and Christine, and siblings Bessie, James, and Dina.

Fran grew up in Crystal Lake, where she attended Crystal Lake High School, played the bugle in the marching band, and helped in the family business, Crystal Candies. She met her future husband, Dr. Pete Pappas, at a church dance in Chicago, and together they raised four sons. They were happily married for 60 years. The family settled in Brookfield, Illinois in 1959, where they were devoted members of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester.

Known for her warmth, hospitality, and devotion, Fran filled her home with Greek cooking, music, and love. After raising her boys, she and Pete moved to Palos Heights, IL., to be closer to family, where they lived until Pete's passing.

At 87, Fran moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be closer to the family. She embraced her new life at Whispering Pines Gracious Retirement Living, making many dear friends and enjoying bingo, meals, and social activities. She was blessed to be a parishioner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where she was strengthened by the love of so many friends there.

Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Raleigh, NC on Monday, February 23rd. Trisagion Prayer Service will be held at 3:30 pm, followed by the funeral service beginning at 4:00 pm.

Fran will be buried at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove with a graveside service to be held on Monday, March 2nd at 2:30 pm.

Fran's love, compassion, and faith enriched all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through her family and friends. The family would like to give thanks to Dr. Wehbie, Elsie's Place, and staff who lovingly attended to Frances in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Holy Trinity Capital Campaign, 5000 Lead Mine Rd. Raleigh, NC 27612.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., is serving the Pappas family in Raleigh and Smith-Cocoran Funeral Home is serving the family in Chicago.