- Date Of Birth: December 9, 1932
- Date Of Death: May 8, 2022
- State: Connecticut
Barbara Jane Pappas, “Bobbie”, 89, died peacefully on May 8, 2022.
Barbara Jane Pappas, always known as ‘Bobbie’, even to her grandchildren, passed away peacefully and gracefully on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022.
Bobbie was born in New York City on December 9,1932 to Abigail and Roy Heaney.
She was mother to Jamie, Nancy and Tracy, raising her family in the beautiful town of Ridgefield, CT with her loving husband of 61 years, Anthony Pappas.
Bobbie was a true force of nature; nothing and nobody could keep her down. Her instant warmth, smile, sense of humor and curiosity drew people in by reaching out to them. These gifts made an ideal fit as a stewardess with Eastern Airlines, and no coincidence that it drew her to meet a young and charming Tony Pappas.
Her endless energy meant that when raising her beautiful children, she always did more than her share of the task, whether the extra carpool, teaching Catechism, being a room mom or cheering on from the sidelines.
Her energy and her lifelong faith were put to great use in civic and charitable causes. She was president of the Ridgefield Community Center, now The Lounsbury House and of course, she spent many hours volunteering at the Ridgefield Thrift shop, or “Boutique” as she always called it.
After raising her children, Bobbie developed a name for herself in real estate at William Pitt/Sotheby’s International in Ridgefield. She was a natural in that business, but her sense of decency and fair play meant she’d rather lose business than put a family in the wrong house. She was a people person, and loved interior design, so of course she was a great success.
Bobbie’s infectious enthusiasm meant she was welcomed everywhere, not least in taking up golf upon retirement in Connecticut and Florida, always joining the “Nine Holers” group of lady golfers, wherever she went. People have been known to pray for a hole in one, and Bobbie actually achieved one in 2002.
Her genuine faith stayed with her throughout her life, and while always game for the next adventure, her sense of dignity always prevailed.
In all these adventures, the highs and some incredibly difficult lows and losses, there was always Tony, her cornerstone and eternal partner.
A sense of fun and humor is just one of the great privileges she shared with all who knew her. Best of all, she had the humility to laugh at herself and take a joke.
Bobbie is predeceased by her daughter Tracy Pappas and survived by her loving, devoted husband Tony; her son Jamie and daughter Nancy; daughter-in-law Mary-Kay Pappas; son-in-law David Sharpe; her three Pappas grandsons, Andrew, Jake and John and two Sharpe grandchildren, Isabel and Oliver.
What a life. What a “gal”, as she would say.
