Elizabeth “Ellie” A. Papas, 96, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2022, with her loving family by her side.

She is preceded in death by her parents Panayotis and Maria Asimakopoulos of Lidoriki, Greece; her husband, Athan Papas; her brother, Tommy Asime; her three sisters, Margaret, Helen, and Popi Asimakopoulos; and her sister-in-law, Georgia Koulopoulos.

Left to cherish her memories are her five sons and their wives, Dino Papas (Cathy), Pete Papas (Tamora), John Papas (Leslie), Angelo Papas (Jeanne), and Mario Papas; her devoted sister, Tessie Dakis; and sisters-in-law, Aliki Asime and Zoe Marcopoulos. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Christopher Papas (Tracey), Tina Papas, Elizabeth Papas Fuchs (Matt), Athan Papas (Kari), Lauren Papas Avalos (Russell), and Raymond Papas (Claire); her 11 great-grandchildren, Olivia Papas, Connor Papas, Julia Fuchs, Nora Fuchs, Nicholas Papas, Christopher Fuchs, Athan Papas, James Papas, Cy Papas, Madelyn Papas, Benjamin Avalos, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ellie, born in Lidoriki, Greece in February 1925, immigrated to Virginia with her husband at age 21 after World War II. They settled in Newport News and soon after started their family with the birth of their first of five sons. Ellie and Athan quickly found community in Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a member of the Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, and the Hellenic Women’s Penelope Society, serving as President for one year. She also found a home with her restaurant family and devoted customers at the well-known restaurants, The Virginian and Athan’s Virginian, which Athan and Ellie owned and operated for over three decades, and where she was affectionately known as “mama” by all.  

Ellie, a lady of class, elegance, and generosity, enjoyed volunteering and cooking for her family, friends, and church members and could often be seen in the kitchen of her home, restaurant, or church. She was an avid reader and historian with particular knowledge of and pride in her native country, Greece. Mostly, she adored and cherished her family above all else. Ellie leaves in her wake a vast legacy of love, faithful service, and devotion to all she knew.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the loving care of Nan Marrow, whose kindness and compassion brought comfort and joy to Ellie in her final years.  

A Trisagion service will be held on Monday, January 24th at 6:00 pm at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings.  A private funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, January 25th at 12:00 pm. officiated by Rev. George Chioros.  Ellie will be laid to rest in Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial donation to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.