Georgia passed peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at her home, after a brave struggle with Alzheimer's Disease for many years. Georgia Eptaminitis Pappas, of Leesburg, VA was predeceased by her beloved husband, Louis R Pappas, her brother, Scotty Eptaminitis, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters Kathy P Jatras (Jim Jatras) and Elaine P Marshall (Chip Marshall), as well as six grandchildren & three great grandchildren.

Born on December 21, 1924 to Christos & Katherine Eptaminitis in New York, she lived her early years in Astoria, NY. She was quite an accomplished athlete, with tennis being her favorite sport. Georgia loved baseball and was a huge Yankee fan her whole life. She also took pilot lessons, with the dream of helping the war effort during WWII.

Georgia met her future husband Lou, at a family wedding, & after a short courtship, were married on May 26, 1946. Georgia worked as a chemist in a Chemistry Lab for eight years until the birth of their two girls in 1954 and 1956. Then Lou's career in the Justice Department took the family to a post in California. After being reassigned to NY for a time, Lou was offered a position at the American Embassy in Athens, Greece. He became the US Immigration Attache there in 1963, where the family lived until Lou retired in 1977.
During the family's time overseas, Georgia was a homemaker and avid volunteer for local causes. She also was a Girl Scout leader for her girls and lead the family on many excursions through Europe. Georgia was the photographer and the family has many slides in remembrance of those trips. Georgia & Lou supported their daughters in every activity they engaged in and didn't miss a performance or sporting event.
Georgia & Lou retired to Hendersonville, NC in 1977 where they lived until 1988. They enjoyed traveling together and playing bridge and golf together. During those years in NC, they were blessed with four grandchildren and decided they wanted to be nearer to their girls' families. In 1988, they built a home in Lake of the Woods, Locust Grove, VA & moved to this gated community where they made many good friends and played as much bridge and golf as possible. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a renewal of their vows in the presence of family & friends.

Georgia lost Lou in 2002, after 56 years of marriage. Even tho this was a devastating blow, she continued on best she could. In 2004 she began developing the early signs of Alzheimer's Disease and could no longer live on her own in 2005. Georgia moved in with her daughter's family and lived there until she passed.

While living in the Leesburg area, she enjoyed many more family events and sporting activities with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing bridge at the Senior Centers in Loudoun County. Her wish was to be able to revisit Greece, one last time, and spend time with family and friends there, which we were able to arrange in 2008.

Over the past few years, Georgia's dementia was taking its toll, and she became more and more debilitated both mentally and physically. The last few months of her life, we were blessed with Evercare Hospice, to help with her care. They were a Godsend and truly helped us to preserve Mom's dignity and respect, with their gentle touch.
We will always remember Mom as a strong, active and vital woman. A beloved daughter, wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend. It was an honor to care for her and be there for her late in her life when she needed us…just as she was there for us when she brought us into this life. The circle of love and life is such a blessing.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Thursday May 23rd for visitation at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, VA. Fr George Alexson of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County will conduct a prayer service at 7pm.

The funeral service will be at 9:30am on Friday May 24th at the Greek Orthodox Church of Loudoun County. Lunch will follow at Clyde's at Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, VA, with interment at Quantico National Cemetery at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Go to: alz.org/donate & click on Tribute/Memorial Donation or mail to Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter
3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22030.