Charleen Rosalie Pappas, passed away on January 23, 2022 following a lifetime of giving to her family, church and community. Born on November 20, 1933, in Augusta Maine she was the only child of Carroll and Lucille LeVasseur. She had a large extended family, with cousins who became more like sisters and brothers. She told them she would have lots of children, and she did. She married George Pappas in 1952 and they immediately started a family. In 1964 they moved their family to Boulder, Colorado, where their 11th child was born just months before her 31st birthday. When asked how she could love so many children, she replied, “Love doesn’t divide, it multiplies.” Charleen was a voracious reader, loved to dance, had endless energy, and never seemed to stop moving. Family and Faith were most important to Charleen, and love was her foundation. She once said “To love is the same as ‘to give.’ When you love, you give with no expectation of anything in return.” Charleen loved her family; she loved her community and she loved her church.
Charleen and George were among the founders of Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Boulder, where they could be seen every Sunday holding hands in the front pew. Charleen was a faithful and active member of her church community. She helped establish the church’s Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, chaired the annual Greek Festival, served as the Editor of the church cookbook, and was the first woman President of the Parish Council.
Ever mindful of the importance of giving back to her community, Charleen was a steadfast volunteer, and encouraged her children to do the same. She volunteered at the schools, taught Scout badges, and sewed costumes for children’s theater. She was active in the Nomad Playhouse both on stage and behind the curtain where she served as President of the Board of Directors. She worked for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and was on the Board of Directors for the Boulder County United Way. She volunteered with organizations serving youth and those in crisis. Her home was always open to those who needed a place to be surrounded by family and love.
One of her greatest joys was traveling with George. They took yearly road trips in a station wagon or motorhome with the children for summer and spring breaks. When the kids were grown, they traveled the world. They found joy and happiness as they explored new and beautiful places together, or relaxed at their lovely cottage in Maine.
Charleen is survived by children Stefani Pappas Wilson, Peter Pappas (Mary), William Pappas, Nicole Pappas (Scott), Mark Pappas, Andrea Pappas Merrill (David), Dave Pappas (Chris), Melanie Pappas (Mike), Christopher Pappas, and George Pappas, Jr.; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband George Pappas and her daughter, Michelle Pappas Tanner. She looks forward to seeing them in heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Boulder, CO.
Viewing is Thursday, 1/27, 6-8 p.m. at Crist Mortuary.Services are Friday, 1/28, 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 5640 Jay Road, Boulder.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Pappas family.
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