Niantic - Theodora "Dora" Pappas, 91, of Niantic, died peacefully at home Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Born Nov. 30, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Constantinos and Elli (Molyviatis) James. Dora will always be remembered as a kind and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She lived each day by her values of honesty, integrity and hard work.

Dora was born and grew up in New London, graduating from Williams Memorial Institute in 1950. She moved to Niantic upon marriage. Always having a keen aptitude for numbers, Dora was employed during her working years as a bookkeeper at various companies, retiring in 1989 from General Foods Corporation. After retirement Dora spent time volunteering at the East Lyme Senior Center and other local organizations. Dora enjoyed family and friend gatherings, traveling, and dancing to live music - especially jitterbugs and polkas! She was a loyal reader of The Day newspaper.

She is survived by two children: son Andrew Pappas and his wife Cynthia of Niantic; and daughter Ellen Prairie and her husband Robert of Vernon. Dora was lovingly known as "Yiayia" to her six grandchildren: Victoria, Alexandria, and Nicholas Pappas; Stephen Prairie and wife Kate; Michelle Parlos and husband Steve; and Elise Baldenko and husband Alex. She was affectionately known as "Big Yiayia" to her eight great-grandchildren who she lovingly called "all my babies": Emerson, Eleanor, and Everly Prairie; Asher, Sienna, and Everett Parlos; and Theo and Maxwell Baldenko.

Dora was predeceased by her brother George James; her former husband Constantine Pappas; and her great-grandchild Lillian Prairie.

Maintaining her independence, as well as her "I can do it" attitude, was very important to Dora. The family would like to thank Patti and Winnie from Seniors Helping Seniors for their kindness in coming along side our family to help our mom continue happily residing in her home until her passing. We would also like to thank her many kind neighbors.

At Dora's request, there are no calling hours and all funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, Dora asks that you do something kind for someone today to brighten their day.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.neilanfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Theodora Pappas

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.

21 Entries

Alan Kelley

January 25, 2023

Andy, Ellie and Families - Please know that you are all in our thoughts at this time. Had the opportunity to have spoke with Your Mom several weeks ago, it was so nice to have seen Her.

James Mitchell

January 18, 2023

My condolences to Andy and family on behalf of the Mitchells.

The Mail Lady

Planted Trees

wayne smith

January 14, 2023

andy, very sorry for your loss.

Rick Haderski

January 14, 2023

Andy sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
..

Kevin and Sue Wilkos

January 14, 2023

Dear Andy, Cindy and Family,

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim Shake

January 14, 2023

Andy, Ellie, and Family
Sorry to read of the passing of Dora's passing. Seems like she was everyone's mother, grandmother or friend. It was always great to see her in the grocery store, always the big smile and a hug and a little time to catch up. My condolences go out to you all.

Cheryl koltowich

January 14, 2023

I´m so sorry Andrew and family Dora was a very kind loving lady my heart is heavy and I´m reliving my memories of her on bus trips and her eating lunch at Constantine´s may she Rest In Peace in the arms of Jesus for eternity

Karen J Harrington

January 13, 2023

Andy, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and family.

Neil and Deb Parlos

January 13, 2023

Dora was a wonderful person, whom we had first had the pleasure of meeting when we were introduced to her as our (then new) daughter-in-law Michelle's (grandmother).
Going forward It was always a pleasure getting to know her better through the years as we met at combined family functions and such.
Heartfelt condolences and God's blessings and love to the entire family.

Athena Dousis Cone

January 13, 2023

May her memory be eternal

Rob Reardon

January 13, 2023

Andy, So sorry for your loss

Billy Secl

January 12, 2023

...Andy and Ellie, My Condolences, She Always Had A Million Dollar Smile and Was So Kind To Everyone ,She Will Be Missed ...

Zoe K. Synodi

January 12, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Dora´s family. She was a classmate when we went to W.M.I. and when we were younger we went to Greek school together.. she had a great sense of humor & we shared many good times.. may memories give you comfort
Zoe Kalogine Synodi

Alan, Violeta and Peter

Planted Trees

Frederick Levesque

January 12, 2023

Andy, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and family

Chris and Diane Orlando

January 12, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sharon Reagan

January 12, 2023

So very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful lady, she will be missed tremendously.

charlies place restaurant

January 12, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Molly PerrinoRossi

January 12, 2023

Andy & Ellie so sorry for your loss. Your mom as you know was a very special lady. Always took the time to say hello and have a conversation. A beautiful smile
Your family are in my thoughts & prayers

Aristedes & Evdokia Manthous

January 12, 2023

Both George & Dora would visit my folks with her parents. She was a splendid lady who always had a smile on her face. Our deepest sympathies to her family. May her memory be eternal.

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