Zoe Joyce Ellis Papas

Zoe “Joyce” Papas was born on July 12, 1921 in San Francisco, CA to Peter and Martha Ellis. Zoe passed away on December 25, 2016 at the age of 95.

Zoe was raised in San Francisco and graduated from George Washington High School in 1938. Following high school, Zoe attended the University of California at Berkeley, and graduated with a degree in Psychology. After graduation, she worked for Bay Area retail companies as a Human Resources Specialist. While a student at UC and through her affiliation with Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity for students of Greek descent, she met her future husband, Chris Papas. They married in 1944 and moved to Stockton in 1950. They were happily married for over 46 years. Zoe was a devoted wife and a loving mother, but nothing brought her greater joy than dedicating herself as Yiayia to her 6 grandchildren.

Zoe’s most special times were spent with her family. She was proud to participate in as many of her grandchildren’s activities as possible, including soccer games, dance recitals, and school events. She continued to live independently in the family home, enjoying raising orchids, following professional tennis, the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors.

She was a lifelong member of St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church and was affiliated with the Philoptochos Organization, San Joaquin County Judges Wives, and served for many years on the Board of the Children’s Home of Stockton.

Zoe is survived by her children Ellece, Chris, Stephanie, and Catherine (Mark), grandchildren Elena, Emile, Zoe, Peter, Maia, and Rafael, sister Sophie Potiris, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved so much. She is preceded in death by her husband, Judge Chris Papas, parents, brother Elias (Louie) Ellis, and sister Matina C. Pappas.

A Trisagion Memorial Service will be held on Monday January 2, 2017, at 6pm at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 10am at St. Basil’s. Committal will follow at Stockton Rural Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Zoe may be sent to Children’s Home of Stockton, Attention: Residential Division, 430 N. Pilgrim Street, Stockton, CA, 95205, or St. Basil Philoptochos Organization.

Arrangements under the direction of De Young Shoreline Chapel, STOCKTON, CA.