Effie Pappas Obituary

Effie (Efrosini), Age 80, passed away peacefully on October 01, 2024, in Brenham, Texas. Born in Aegion, Greece on June 21, 1944. Effie lived in Aegion with her family when at the age of 5 years old her father immigrated to the United States in 1949. For 8 years Effie lived with her Papou, Yiayia, and many adoring Thea's (and Theo's) in Aegion. And then in May of 1957, 13-year-old Effie boarded a plane in Athens and made her way, via New York City, to her new home in Ballard, Washington, reuniting with her dad and new mom. She traveled for two days by herself, not knowing any English.
Effie attended Ballard High from 1958 to 1962, where she was a member of the Ballard Drill Team marching in parades and events around the Northwest. Effie also worked at the Seattle Worlds Fair in 1962. Effie loved her many trips to California to visit Grandpa Oscar, Grandma Vi, and Disneyland. After graduating Effie met Angelo Pappas, "Lucky", who was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, Washington upon his discharge, he and Effie were married in August of 1966 in Chicago. A true "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" at least reception-wise. Effie and Lucky were married for 46 years when Lucky stepped into eternity, devastating Effie she loved how Lucky would always be cracking jokes, singing, and loving on her he was the love of her life.
While living in Chicago Effie and Lucky welcomed into the world Marina (Rena), Elizabeth (Ellie), and Constatine (Deanie) this family is one with the nicknames Effie was lovingly called Fefe often by Rena she would always laugh. Effie loved to laugh. Another monumental life event for Effie, besides giving birth 3 times, was playing a huge role in helping her dad and sister Maria reunite at her home in Houston after not seeing each other for over 28 years. Not a dry eye in Texas for weeks.
Effie had a great ability to make others feel special and was always interested in what was going on in their life. She loved to take and share pictures, especially for birthdays and anniversaries she had the best cursive handwriting so elegant, reflecting how she always dressed too, rare a day without her "face-on". Effie worked in various roles throughout her time in Chicago and Texas, publicity for Ninfas Restaurants in Houston, and Accounting/HR for her brother-in-law's bakery in Chicago, she was so well regarded and loved.
Equally, Effie loved her family, friends, especially her grandkids, Jacob and Macy and then two great-grandchildren, Lorali and Finn. Effie loved the Lord Jesus and grew to understand that His love for her was unconditional and ever-faithful. Effie agreed in her heart what the Apostal Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-10, that it is by God's grace alone we have salvation, through Jesus "For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Effie often prayed that her family and friends would know this grace from God alone quicken your hearts to His truth and gift of salvation.
Efrosine, Effie, Fefe, Mama, Yiayia, and Thea, will be greatly missed and is survived by her children:
Marina Pappas, Elizabeth Hunt, her grandchildren, Jacob (Macy) Hunt and Casey Hunt, and 2 great-grandchildren, Loralie Efrosine Hunt and Finn Hunt.
She is also survived by her siblings, Michael (Cindy) Wynakos, Stacy Smalls, Jennie (Jay) Lorenz, and many loving nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Greece.
Effie was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo Pappas, son, Deanie Pappas, her dad, Ed Wynakos, and mom, Beryle Wynakos and sister, Maria Vergonet.
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