Joanne Pappas

PAPPAS/PAPADELIS, JOANNE (Thea Jo) daughter of Emmanuel and Christina (nee Potirakis) both deceased. Sister of Cheryl Kalliope Moissis (deceased), First Cousin (and professed Sister) of Anita Sagaris (deceased). Godmother to George Karadimas (deceased), George Elefteriou and Nicholas Moissis. Aunt to Pantelis "Pete" Moissis (Jennifer) and Angelina "Lina" Bellanti (Giuseppe) Bellanti. Great-Aunt to Nicholas Moissis, Alexander Bellanti, Austin Bellanti, Kalliope Moissis and Emmanuel Moissis. Great-Great-Aunt to Gianna Bellanti. Cousin and friend to many. She was affectionately known as Thea Jo. She passed on October 30, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Joanne was born in Cleveland on March 10th, 1949 and graduated from Shaw High School in 1967. She worked an interesting variety of roles. From waitressing at iconic Cleveland spots like Captain Frank's, and the Brown Derby at Burke Lakefront Airport, to Administrative and Medical Billing. She made great memories and life-long friends along every step.

Joanne, her Sister (Cheryl) and Cousin (Anita) were inseparable. Holidays, birthdays, daily updates, frequent dinners and vacations were the norm. They drove to many States and several coasts together and were, in effect, three Sisters. Joanne loved their "Three Amigos" persona and cherished every moment.

To Pete and Lina, Joanne was more "2nd Mother" than Aunt, helping raise them and selflessly providing for experiences that they wouldn't have otherwise had. When it came to generosity, she far exceeded her means . She always found ways to provide for her family in the most thoughtful of ways. Becoming a "Great-Aunt" was a cherished role and she had special relationships with her Great-Niece and Great-Nephews. Even more bragging rights were earned when she became a Great-Great-Aunt to Gianna. She was always more than a Thea. Hardly a day went by that she wasn't on the phone 2 to 5 times with another First Cousin Maria Pateras. She was a friend, counselor and the glue of her family regardless of time or distance. She appreciated the gift of life, and was good at it.

Joanne's ability to make friends was another great quality. At work, a gathering, a bus stop or even a funeral, she could make a life long friend. She was great at maintaining friendships and the ones from childhood were "family status". Friends and family usually only get together at weddings and funerals. So, after Lina's wedding to Joe in 1992, Joanne and Cheryl started hosting their famous "Get Togethers" and continued yearly through 2010. Hundreds of friends and family would enjoy a party on Labor Day weekend that offered many HOMEMADE Greek specialties that rivaled Church Festivals. Even when times were tough, Joanne made sure that the Get Togethers happened for the sake of keeping everyone in touch... And it worked. Like many other examples, that was her gift to us all.

Joanne will be remembered for her intellect, kindness and generosity... With a healthy dose of bluntness. She had a lifetime of helping others and will be deeply missed. She's a hard act to follow. Her "brand" was ending every call with "LYAF"... Love You Always and Forever.

Visitation on Friday from 3 to 7pm at DeJohn Funeral Home, 4600 Mayfield Rd. South Euclid, OH 44121. Trisagion Service at 5pm. Funeral Service on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 10am at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH. 44118. Interment at St. Theodosius Cemetery.

Joanne was a lifelong lover of animals and requested that donations be made in her memory to the Animal Protective League (APL).