Christine M. Pappas

CHRISTINE M. PAPPAS passed away peacefully the morning of January 8, 2026 in the loving embrace of her husband, children, and cherished dog, Stella. She was 61. Her life was marked by her devotion to God and to her family, friends, profession, and community.

Christine, or “Chrissy” to family and close friends, was born February 3, 1964 in Cleveland to the late Mary (Latessa) Brooks and Thomas Zingale. Chrissy was raised both by her nana, the late Mary Pagna, and her mother, Mary. Chrissy grew up with a big, blended family of Borcherts and Brooks. She was the common thread, weaving together families, and as the youngest, was adored and spoiled by all of her older siblings.

Chrissy met her husband, Mike Pappas, in 1988 in an office building downtown where she worked as an insurance agent for a bank and Mike worked as a CPA. They married in 1990, becoming a family of three with Angela, her oldest daughter from her first marriage. Two years later, Chrissy and Mike welcomed their first, Carli, and then their youngest, Michael, the next year.

From opening her own wedding chapel business to becoming a real estate agent, Chrissy’s endeavors were always rooted in community. In 1997, Chrissy and her aunts opened Hour Chapel in Mentor, Ohio on Route 615. As the chapel’s officiant, Chrissy married hundreds of couples during its years in operation.

In 1999, after closing on their first home, Chrissy’s husband told her she should consider becoming a real estate agent. What began as a spark quickly became a lifelong passion. Chrissy took great pride and honor in helping people buy or sell a home, knowing that it was not just a transaction but a monumental moment–the beginning of a journey or the closing of life’s chapter–that she was witness to. She took that to heart, pouring herself into each of her clients to provide an experience defined by compassion, skill, and integrity.

Beyond serving her clients, Chrissy tirelessly served her profession and devoted much of her time to the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) and the Lake & Geauga Area Association of Realtors (LGAAR). She served as the President of the Local Chapter of the WCR in 2009, President of the Ohio State Chapter in 2014, and later as an advisor and state liaison. In 2015, she was the LGAAR President of the Association. Chrissy was known for advancing the professionalism and acumen of the industry, strengthening relationships among agents and affiliates, and advocating for homeowners’ rights through petitions and rallies at the state capitol. Her dedication and impact were recognized by her peers when she was named LGAAR Realtor of the Year in 2023.

Chrissy was a pillar of the community. Throughout her children’s school-age years, she volunteered in everything from coordinating snacks to helping orchestrate theatre productions, and she never missed a sporting event or school milestone. Deeply committed to causes close to her heart, including homelessness and women’s safety and human trafficking, Chrissy worked to improve the lives of some of the community’s most vulnerable. She volunteered and served as a board member with Extended Housing since 2021 and WomenSafe since 2016. She also trained Stella as a therapy dog and visited various organizations to bring emotional support and comfort. In her neighborhood, she was always organizing community functions to bring people together, like her hiking club and bunko group.

Chrissy was a dear friend to many and showed her love in so many ways–from dropping off a plant or homemade crochet blanket just because she was thinking of you, to planning a backyard bocce ball tournament or dinner party. Full of life and exuding light, she made everything feel extra special and so fun. She was an inspiration to all who met her.

Her greatest joy of all was her family. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them, like planning a surprise trip, dropping everything and driving cross-country to be with her kids during a tough time, and cheering her family on through all of life’s ups and downs. Chrissy was the soil, the sunshine, and the air from which everything grew. And for all that she accomplished, her favorite moments were the small, in-between ones–making her highly requested pasta and meatballs for the family, sharing a quiet morning cup of coffee, sitting around the table for hours playing games, snuggling on the couch to watch a corny movie, playing fetch with Stella, and a house filled with the music of her family’s laughter.

Chrissy is survived by her sisters, Karen Weiss, Jean Carney, and Mary Borchert, and brother, Tommy Zingale. She is a beloved aunt and cherished friend to many. She lived and died by a life of gratitude and living on the edge of her comfort zone. Chrissy’s legacy and spirit is carried on through her husband, Mike, daughter Carli Coleman (Cass), son Michael (Maria), daughter Angela Russell (Chris), and grandchildren, Lily and Dave Russell.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Christine's memory to Divine Word Catholic Church or Extended Housing at www.extendedhousing.org

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM Wednesday January 14th at Divine Word Catholic Church, 8100 Eagle Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094, (Please Meet at Church). Entombment All Souls Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the DiCICCO & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. OH 44124, TUESDAY from 3:00-7:00 PM. Online tribute and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com

A Luncheon and Celebration of Christine's Life will take place at Kirtland Country Club following the Entombment at All Souls Cemetery.