Obituaries
Joan Doris Pappas, 78
September 08, 2025
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.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
September 11, 2025
Dear Chris,
we are so sorry. More than ten years ago we met you and Joan while we stayed in PA. We remember her as a kind and friendly woman.
Ute and Werner
September 11, 2025
Dear Chris and family. Joan was an angel on earth as she will be in heaven. We will miss her in Avalon and send love and prayers to your family. Fondly, Bobbi and Nick
September 11, 2025
I share the grief of the Pappas family. May God welcome our beloved Joan to his bosom. It was a pleasure serving you for so long. Your love and kindness were an example I will carry with me forever. On behalf of myself and the Home Instead agency. Rest in peace. Aliana Yan Perez ( Home Instead CC)
September 11, 2025
I LOVE YOU THE MOSTEST !!!! Miss you. Wendy Gehman
September 11, 2025
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a kind and wonderful woman with a smile that was infectious. Thinking and praying for all of you. Billy and Adam Baldwin
September 11, 2025
I am so sorry Chris. I know what you feel. I loss Vinny 2 yeras ago; However he is still in my heart. If you remember I was in your wedding party. I’m so sorry that we did not stay in touch. May God comfort you in this time of loss. Peggy Spremulli
September 10, 2025
On behalf of the families of Scout Troop 1115, I extend our deepest sympathy. We are praying for the Pappas family during this time. As Joan’s grandson Noah is awarded the rank of Eagle Scout very soon, we know she will be watching with pride.
Sincerely,
Scott Thompson
Committee Chair, Troop 1115
September 10, 2025
Chris and family,
Sending my thoughts and prayers on the loss of your dear wife, mother, and grandmother. May you find comfort in the memories. Maureen Brennan-Miller
September 10, 2025
Dearest Chris, Christopher, Kerri and families,Our hearts are broken, along with yours! Joan was my best buddy since moving here in ’95. We talked, we laughed, and even drank a little wine together. I will miss her dearly and there will always be a piece missing in my heart! I will forever miss how she said Margaret! No one will ever say it as well! 💔 Margaret Ness
September 10, 2025
Our sincerest and deepest sympathy to you , Chris and your family. MJ at Joan’s memory be everlasting.
Eleni Pappas Zervos
September 10, 2025
Dear Chris and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Not seeing her in Avalon this summer was sad and she will be missed by all of us. She was such a caring friend always concerned about others when she herself had so many health issues. Our summer place will never be the same. Our sincere condolences,
Pat and Tom Gagliardi
September 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful resident that I adore a lot. What a wonderful friend I will surely be missing her alot. Love you all. Wendy Gehman
September 10, 2025
So sorry Chris. I was wondering about you. I usually hear from you on Ed’s Birthday.
i would like to talk to you soon
Bev Drucker
- Visitation
- Friday, September 19, 2025
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, September 20, 2025
- 11:00 AM
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church
- 119 S. Prince Street
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
- Map and Directions
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