Judith A. Pappas

All who knew Judith Pappas would agree that she was truly selfless in every way. Her love for those around her was unending, and her devotion to her family was unmatched. Every day was a day to celebrate life as far as Judy was concerned, and although the way before her was not always easy she carried herself with unwavering courage and a quiet strength that was such an inspiration. She had a contagious zest for life and was a bit of a free spirit who wasn’t afraid to do things her own way. Judy will be dearly missed, but her family and friends will proudly carry on her timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in unconditional love.

With the end of WWII in 1945, America was making the transition to being a nation at peace. Countless young servicemen and women had returned home, and the baby boom was underway. With a rapidly growing population, the housing industry was booming, and with rationing no longer in place people could purchase whatever goods they desired. It was during this transitional time that Snorri and Pauline Reinholt welcomed a baby girl into their hearts and home on February 4, 1948, in Hazel Park, Michigan. Judith A. was one of four children in her family, and she was raised in the family home in Dearborn alongside her brothers, Richard and Bill, and her sister, Patricia. Her father worked in heating and cooling while her mother focused her attention at home.

While growing up Judy, as she was often known, experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of her generation. She was primarily into boys and hanging out with her friends, and she also enjoyed playing with dolls and watching monster movies. As a teen Judy could often be found at the park at the corner of Hopkins and Gully in Dearborn with her friends. After a long day of having way too much fun with their friends, Judy and her sister would sleep in the upstairs bedroom in the attic replaying the events of the day together while taking turns scratching each other’s back until sleep finally enveloped them. It was at the park that she met her first husband in 1964.

During her formative years Judy was a student at local schools, graduating from Robichaud High School in 1965. She later attended Wayne State Community College from 1973 through 1974. Judy continued her education by taking classes at Oakland Community College and eventually obtained her real estate board licensing.

With her education behind her, Judy embarked on what would be a busy career that spanned a variety of industries. From 1975 through 1979 she was a real estate sales associate, and from 1978 through 1983 she worked at Detroit Edison. Judy spent the following year, until 1984, at Sacred Heart Center, followed by Manpower for an additional year. Judy’s final stop along her career was in customer service for Blue Cross Blue Shield where she remained from 1991 until she retired in 2006.

There was nothing more near and dear to Judy’s heart than her family. She was blessed to be the mother of two wonderful children, Rick and Michele. Judy’s lifelong friend, JoEllen Biel, held a special place in her heart, and she met her best friend, Peter Pappas in 1972 while she was a cute little blonde waitress at Laffrey’s, a local popular restaurant. Shortly after they met Judy and Peter began dating, and they were married in 1974. Although their marriage ended in divorce after seven years, they reconnected after several years of being apart and became closer to one another than they were when they were married. Judy and Peter eventually became what they called “best friends and soul mates.”

It was easy to see that there was nothing that brought Judy more joy than being with the family and friends she cherished. Her brothers and sister and nieces and nephews were just as important to her as her own children. Judy’s love for her family extended to her nieces and nephews children, and she was over the moon with love for her grandchildren, Seth, Carley, and Brooklynn. She adored each and every member of her family and made sure that she was at every family celebration whether for birthdays, graduations, holidays, or any other gathering whenever she could. Judy was so proud of the adults her children became, and she loved nothing more than watching them become incredible parents themselves. She loved spending time with her grandchildren in Florida, and Judy’s most recent passion was spending time with her youngest grandchild, Brooklynn.

Although being with her loved ones was first and foremost in her life, Judy did focus her time and attention on other things as well. She was not a member of a specific church, but she was spiritual in her beliefs. When her children were young Judy took them to services at a local Lutheran church. In her downtime she loved to read and watch movies, and she was a huge Elvis fan. In fact, in celebration of her 58th birthday Judy’s friend, Karen, threw her a surprise birthday party complete with an Elvis impersonator. Judy was thrilled and said that was the best birthday celebration she had ever experienced.

Life was not without times of trial for Judy as she was plagued by several health issues over the years. She dealt with emphysema for years and beat cancer on two separate occasions. Judy was a fighter through it all and was always more concerned about her loved ones rather than on the struggles she was facing. She continued to do whatever she could to help her friends and family regardless of what she was facing in her own life. Even when she was hospitalized, Judy was worried about being an inconvenience to others. She drew such strength from the love she received from her family and friends, and Judy felt that her grandchildren gave her a reason to live. Judy accepted the things she could not control, often telling her daughter, “Que sera, sera.”

Through the life of Judith Pappas we are reminded that a truly selfless love can overcome anything this world brings - even when the storms of life come our way. She had struggles, but her focus never wavered from doing whatever she could for her loved ones whether her children and grandchildren, her extended family, or her friends. Judy once penned a letter to her best friend and true companion, Peter, including the lyrics to the song, “Alfie.” The words paint a vibrant picture of Judy and her overall outlook on life. She was such an extraordinary woman who will be deeply missed each and every day.

Judith Ann Pappas passed away peacefully on November 2, 2013 at the age of 65. Loving mother of Rick Stafford II, and Michele (Shawn) Stubbs. Dearest grandma of Seth, Carley, and Brooklyn. Dear sister of Richard (Doris) Reinholt, William (Julie) Reinholt, and Patricia Neely. Cherished friend of Peter Pappas, and adored aunt of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Saturday 11am until the time of service @4pm at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile Rd (between Merriman and Middlebelt). You may sign the guest book, share memories or upload photos at: www.TurowskiLifeStory.com

*Contributions towards College Tuition for Judy's grandchildren will be accepted at the Wayne Westland Credit Union - 500 S. Wayne Rd - Westland, MI 48185 - 734.421.5700. Please make out any donations to Rick Stafford. They will be deposited into the Judy's Treasure's Account.