Bessie Kutulas Pappas, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved member of the Greek Orthodox community, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, just one day shy of her 95th birthday.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Bessie grew up attending Annunciation Cathedral, where her love for the Orthodox faith and sacred music took root. After marrying Gus Pappas, her devoted husband and partner in all things, she became a devout and active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, San Francisco, where she sang in the choir and served faithfully in Philoptochos for many decades.
A gifted and passionate singer, Bessie pursued a professional singing career in her early years and even had the extraordinary opportunity to perform alongside Frank Sinatra. Her musical talents remained a cornerstone of her life—whether through church choirs or community stages. In 1974, she joined the San Francisco Diocesan Choir on a memorable singing tour in Greece, connecting her voice to her heritage in the most profound way. Her decades of musical devotion were recognized by the Greek Orthodox Choir Federation for her outstanding service.
When she moved to Fresno, she was lovingly welcomed by the Saint George parish as their “presmitera” - a play-on-words title for “mother of a priest” - and she embraced the community with open arms and a loving heart. She served with joy, and her warmth, poise, and dedication were cherished by all.
She was honored as “Mother of the Year” by the St. George Athena Philoptochos and held leadership roles in the Pan Arcadian Society in San Francisco. She remained deeply involved with the Philoptochos chapters at both Holy Trinity and St. George, living a life of service, grace, and generosity.
Theater also played a joyful role in Bessie’s life. From her high school years to later community theater productions, she brought characters to life on stage—most memorably as Fruma Sara in Fiddler on the Roof.
Bessie was the beloved wife of the late Gus Pappas, with whom she built a loving family and successful floral business—Pappas Bros., Pappas at the Plaza, and Pappas Flowers. She was especially loved for her special gift in helping brides select their floral arrangements, blending artistry and care in every bouquet.
She had an infectious smile, a princess mentality, a joyful spirit, and a deep love for God and her Orthodox faith. Her presence brought light and love into every space she entered.
She was preceded in death by her dear Gus in 1999. She is survived by her four children: Joan Wahl (Bruce), Fr. Jim Pappas (Donna), Evan Pappas (David), and Jeff Pappas (Nadine); her grandchildren Bryan (Erin), Evan (Stephanie), Constantine (Mandy), Chrysanthe (Ken), Sophia (Brandon), and Evangelia (Alex); and great-grandchildren Ethan, Braelynn, and Adonis Gus. She also leaves behind her loving sisters-in-law Elaine Kourafas and Bessie Kutulas, and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and lifelong friends.
Trisagion services will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno on Sunday May 18 at 4:00 PM. Funeral services will follow on Monday, May 19 at 11:00 AM, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco. Interment will take place at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park in Colma, California.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the clergy, nuns, and staff at Nazareth House in Fresno for their compassionate care of Bessie over the years, as well as to Bristol Hospice for their loving support in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Holy Trinity Church, Broadway Cares, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice.
May her memory be eternal.
