Cecile Pappas Tashie

Our beloved mother, Cecile Pappas Tashie, passed away peacefully in her sleep on New Year’s Eve 2025, surrounded by her five children, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. She was the matriarch of a large and ever-growing family of 103 and counting. Whether you were related to her or not, everyone lovingly knew her as Yiayia.

Yiayia was kind, gentle, caring, and compassionate. She loved her family and friends with a deep, unconditional love. When you were with Yiayia, you knew you were loved—not only through her actions, but because she made sure to tell you, several times a day. Each of us can testify that you never left her home, ended a phone call, or hung up with her on FaceTime without hearing “I love you” at least twice—once because she meant it, and a second time because she didn’t want you to forget it. She taught us how to love deeply and forgive quickly. Written words can never fully express the love she gave or the love we felt in return.

A lifelong Memphian of proud Greek heritage, Cecile graduated from Central High School in 1958. She was a faithful member of the Greek Orthodox Church and volunteered for decades at the annual Greek Festival. Her greatest joy was being the devoted wife of George, for 67 beautiful years. They lovingly told one another often, “You are the Sunshine of My Life.” From their humble elopement to Byhalia, Mississippi on February 2, 1958, to traveling the world together, Yiayia always felt most protected, safe, and comforted by his side.

Yiayia was admired for her beauty—both inside and out—and was known throughout her family as the matriarch who prayed. She prayed faithfully and daily for each family member by name. She often reminded us that “Life is a blink and to show love to everyone.” In 1972, Yiayia became a Christian while attending Bible Study Fellowship, and through her love for Jesus, the lives of her family were forever changed.

Her second greatest joy on earth was being a mother to her five children and their spouses, a grandmother to 23 grandchildren, and a great-grandmother to 53 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities—sporting events, school programs, and plays—always present, always proud.

Cecile is survived by her five children: Pete Tashie (Kendall), Stefanie Albright (Jon), Karen Jamison (Robby), Connie Foody (Lance), and Dino Tashie (Chrissy); 23 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren, and brothers-in-law Jimmy Tashie (Nancy) and John Tashie, and Charles Cotros, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, who passed away just 14 weeks earlier on September 14, 2025; her parents, Pete and Koula Pappas; her sisters Zoe Nickas, Georgia Cosmas, and Helen Ballas; and, in a profound and heartbreaking loss, her identical twin sister Connie Cotros—the “other Yiayia”—who passed away just 16 hours after her. Twin sisters at birth, twin sisters in death. We know Yiayia is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her “lover boy,” Big Papou, and her great-grandson Campbell Jake Martin.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation of West TN or St. Jude Children's Hospital, both organizations she regularly supported for years.

At Cecile’s request, there will be drop-by visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 3:00p.m. to 4:30p.m. at their home and a Celebration of Life service at 4:30 p.m. There will be a valet service provided for parking. Additional details will be shared privately.