Fannie Pappas

Fannie (“Fanou”) Pappas was born in Phoenix, Arizona on April 15, 1931, to Greek immigrants, Meropy (Laskari) and Nicholas Gannis. Her family was one of a handful of Greek families that founded the first Greek church in Phoenix on Virginia Street. Fannie passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025. She had a great wit and charm and was loved by many.

Fannie attended Kenilworth Elementary School, Phoenix Union High School and then studied at Arizona State University where she met her husband of 72 years, Harry Pappas. Fannie loved nothing more than having family and friends over for game nights, canasta and penny-poker. Known for her unwavering strength and fierce loyalty to her husband and family, she was also a very kind and compassionate woman who would do anything for you, yet never ask for anything in return. She was also known for her quick wit and spunky banter, and had a colorful array of one-liners. She was also known for her Greek chicken and potatoes and famous potato salad and broccoli and cheese side dishes, which were legendary.

Fannie was a long-standing member of Holy Trinity’s Philoptochos, along with her sisters, Emily Kimmell and Mary Louise Theodoropoulos. Fannie is survived by her three children, Connie Venetis, Nicholas Pappas, and Pamela Van Kampen, her 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Her husband, Harry, predeceased her in April, 2024, one day following their 72nd wedding anniversary. 

Services for Fannie will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (1973 E. Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016) on Tuesday, March 4, beginning with viewing at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 9:30 a.m. A Makaria (Mercy Meal) will immediately follow the Funeral Service in the Speros Community Center. Fannie will be laid to rest, joining her husband, Harry, at the National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. (23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024).

In lieu of flowers please send any donations to Sky Sanctuary Rescue. Fannie was a great lover of animals and they loved her.

May her memory be eternal.