Mary was born March 28, 1934 to Helen and George Anastos in Pontiac, Michigan. She joined her sisters Kay, Effie and her brother John, and later sister Jessie.
Mary was adopted by her mother’s brother and wife at the age of 13 and moved to South Pasadena, California. She excelled in school and graduated high school at the age of 15.
Mary attend Eastern Michigan University, starting at the age of 16, graduated with her BA degree and continued on to obtain her Masters Degree in Elementary Education.
Mary returned to California in her early 20’s where she started her teaching career in La Jolla, California.
Mary met Anthony B. Lappas at St. Sophia, and they married August 27, 1961.
She is survived by her loving husband Tony, her daughters Katina and Angela, and her grandchildren Jonathan, Arianna and Sofia.
Mary became the Director of LAUSD Gifted Program, was a Sunday School teacher, was a member of St. Sophia’s Philoptohos and donated much of her retirement giving back to those in need.
Mary was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She and dad dedicated their lives to their daughters, Katina and Angela and mostly importantly to their three grandchildren.
As a loving couple, they enjoyed life, family, friends, entertaining, traveling the world, the arts, and fine dining.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on September 26, 2019 at St. Sophia Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006. The Makaria in the ballroom immediately after, with the interment at 3:00 at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, CA.
In memory of Mary D. Lappas donations can be made to St. Sophia Cathedral and St Jude’s Hospital.
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