Helen Lucas Lucas Pappas

Pappas, Helen Lucas Helen Lucas Pappas (YiaYia) passed away peacefully at her home July 12, 2012. She was born in Dallas on January 27, 1930, the youngest of eight children born to Mersina and Faithon P. Lucas, Sr. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters, an infant son and her husband, Pete H. Pappas. A 1947 graduate of The Hockaday School, she attended SMU and moved to Houston following her marriage in 1956. She was a devoted homemaker who excelled in creating a loving home for her family and all who came through her doors. Dubbed "the Goddess of Fun," by her granddaughter, YiaYia was the life of the party. Her garden was her sanctuary and where she spent most of her day. Food was love, and her culinary skills allowed her to love and be loved by many. She was a selfless partner in marriage who quietly played many instrumental roles in her husband's pursuits, both in business and in pleasure. As a mother, she spent her life imparting faith, devotion, wisdom and a keen sense of humor to her daughters and grandchildren. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her grandchildren. She recently told her grandson that she "had a good ride", and she did. She disdained the term son-in-law and considered both of hers, sons. A multiple cancer survivor since 1977, she was an inspiration to many whose lives she touched. Her strength, courage and faith sustained her until the end. She was blessed with exceptional caregivers and her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to: Ella Doucet Johnson, Maria and Jesse Aparicio, Ruby Brooks, Emily Akwei, Anita Pellot-Hall, Gail Turner, Lillian Shelton, Lucy Roberson, Rachel Espiricueta, Renee Simpson, Lara McCrary and everyone at Faith Presbyterian Hospice. Helen is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Pam and Matt Mattingly and Mersina and Phin Stubbs; grandchildren, Ginny and Thomas Mattingly and Phin, John Marshall and Pete Stubbs and eleven nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: Tom Lykos, Jr., Kevin Anderson, Craig Anderson, Neal Anderson, Wesley "Dickie" Parrott, Phin Stubbs III, Chris Pappas and Gary Freeman. Trisagion Prayer Service, 7 p.m., Monday, July 16, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Dallas, Texas, Fr. Christopher Constantinides officiating. Funeral Service, 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 17, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Houston, Texas, Fr. Daniel Payne officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to St. Paul Medical Foundation, 5909 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9243