Mary Jo Pappas
Saturday, February 19, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Age:
91 years old
Saturday, February 19, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Age:
91 years old
Saturday, February 19, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Age:
91 years old
Mary Jo Pappas
Marian Josephine Pappas, longtime Rochester resident, died peacefully on Saturday December 29 at the age of 91.
Mrs. Pappas was born in Rochester on February 19, 1927.
In 1949 she married Charles Pappas, who preceded her in death in February 2018. Mary Jo and Charles would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2019.
Mary Jo is survived by a large and loving family, including son, Brian Pappas (Brenda) of Winchester, MA; daughters, Laurie VanDerHeyden and Barbara Hexum (Tom) of Rochester; and son, Charlie Pappas (Brian) of Minneapolis. She was also a devoted grandmother to Mary Ellen VanDerHeyden (Bryan), David VanDerHeyden, Emily Campbell (Stuart), Maddie VanDerHeyden, Abigail and Charlie Hexum, and Nicholas and Charlotte Pappas.
In addition to husband Charles, Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Marian Gerlicher and brother John Gerlicher.
Mary Jo had a love for classical music. She attended Hamline University as a music major and was an accomplished violinist with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra for much of her life.
A funeral service for Mary Jo will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 12 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the River Park Chapel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The Mary Jo Pappas family would like to thank the amazing and dedicated caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care and Seasons Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, Seasons Hospice of Rochester, or St. John’s Catholic Church of Rochester.
Condolences
The family of Mary Jo Pappas has received the following condolences.
Hexum and Pappas Familes, My most sincere sympathies to you on the passing of your mom and grandmother. Keep your memories of her close to you.
Mavis
Dear Pappas family---all:
I want you to know that I very much wanted to attend Mary Jo's funeral to honor her as a dear friend. But, unfortunately, I had cataract surgery on Friday, the 11th---the day before---and just could not go to it!
I admired both of your parents---they were wonderful people, and outstanding Rochester citizens.
Corene Bernatz
Mary Jo was a sweet and accomplished lady. I knew her in high school and always admired her. My condolences to Mary Jo's family. Now she is resting with the Lord in
Heaven.
Laurie, Tom and families,
My deepest condolences in the passing of your mother.
Dear Barb and all family...I treasure having my great final memory of both your parents when they attended Lec's memorial at Plummer House in 2011. THey were still the upbeat couple we had so enjoyed for many years during our travel adventures and escapades! My photo albums contain proof of a wide variety in locations and sources of fun...many tennis courts provided stage for our imperfect yet energetic attempts to perform...and losses were handled by cc happy hours. I first knew Mary Jo while we were both in Standard Bearer Choir at the old Methodist Church...before Charlie entered her life. THat was a rather sedate beginning to our eventual lively long term couples friendship that added much excitement and genuine pleasure to both our lives. I'm so grateful to have known them and shared the real life adventure as long as we could. Game,Set,Match ....
fondly, jackie
Barb & Charlie, and family-
So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing.
I recall wonderful gatherings at your house at Christmas time with fabulous food ( of course!) and Kier Royale’s (not sure about that spelling!)
Your mom was lovely.
Kim (Watson)