Aphrodite Pappas

Aphrodite Pappas of South Bend, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.  Aphrodite was the second of four daughters born to Pantelis & Helen (Eleni Gregoriou) Pappas (Pappamihael) on January 26, 1923, in St. Louis, MO.  In 1928, the family moved to South Bend, IN where she lived her entire life except for a six-year period from 1950 to 1956.  She was preceded in death by her parents in 1971, by her older sister, Coola Pappas Philippis in 2000, by her younger sisters Mary Pappas in 2012 and Anna Pappas in 2021, and by her brother-in-law, Serafim (late Coola) Philippis in 2013.  She is survived by her nephew Tim Philippis, her nephew Michael (TeAnn) Philippis and their children, great-nieces, Sophia and Nicole, numerous cousins, and godchildren.  Upon graduating from South Bend Central High School in 1941, Aphrodite began her working career which spanned several decades and ultimately culminated with her being a Management Director at Center Management Corporation. Throughout her career, Aphrodite was an example and role model for other younger women in the office by showing them that women could excel in an office so many years ago.  Aphrodite appreciated the performing arts, enjoyed classical music, and attended the South Bend Symphony regularly from its early years.  Two of her greatest joys were singing in her church choir for over 6 decades and performing with the Presbyterian Players for over 4 decades.  Her love of the theater began during her high school days under the direction of James Lewis Casaday and continued through Players.  She appreciated the excitement of the productions and cherished the many lifelong friendships made during those years.  In 1950, she decided to move to New York City to further pursue her love of the theater, but, ultimately, returned to South Bend in 1956.  She will be remembered for her performances not only as a cast member, but also as a leading actor and director in several productions.  Aphrodite not only served her church with her lovely voice but was also the choir director for 60 years.  Throughout her years of dedicated service to the church, she received recognition from The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, she also received the medal of St. Romans the Melodian, the Archdiocesan Medal of St. Paul, and the 1996 Trustee Award from St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church for her exemplary years of dedication.  She also enjoyed traveling, having taken many trips both domestically and internationally.  Aphrodite was a very caring person who could be counted on for a helping hand.  She loved life and loved being a faithful servant of her church.  Memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, Endowment Fund, 52455 North Ironwood, South Bend, IN 46635.  Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 9:30 am followed by the Funeral Services at 10:30 am at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church concluding at Highland Cemetery.  Due to COVID-19, masks will be required.  Anyone unable to attend may leave condolences at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.   Aphrodite was a loving person and will be greatly missed by family and friends.  May her memory be eternal.

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