Joan Doris Pappas, 78, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family.

Born in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Doris (Clark) Ryan. She was the loving wife of Chris Pappas.

Joan earned her bachelor's degree in education and taught elementary school in Rhode Island, where she touched the lives of many students. She loved exploring Lancaster County since she moved there with her family in 1986. Joan had a love for traveling the world, shopping, and collecting Amish quilts. She also enjoyed attending art festivals and finding inspiration in creativity. Joan enjoyed playing bridge and spending time at her beach house in Avalon, New Jersey. Of all her passions, Joan's greatest joy came from her family. She adored her grandchildren, who were truly her world.

She is survived by her husband, Chris Pappas; her children, Kerri (Michael) Weaver and Christopher (Heidi) Pappas, Jr.; her grandchildren, Nick, Lexi, Noah, and Grace; her siblings, Thomas Ryan, Sharon (Ray) Turbitt, and Stephen Ryan; her sisters-in-law, Betty (Lakis) Andriotis and Mary Ryan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Ryan.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6PM to 8PM at Charles F. Snyder, Jr., Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, beginning at 11AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 119 S Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Interment will take place at Long Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2660 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joan's name to the Alzheimer's Association at: donorservices.alz.org , or St. Mary's Catholic Church at the address above or at: stmaryslancaster.org .