Longtime New Haven resident and education activist, Hazel B. Pappas, departed this world on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at home surrounded by her family.
She was born on February 1, 1936 to the late Berry and Sophronia Houston.
Since the 1970’s, Hazel was heavily involved in city, state, and national organizations that sought to enhance public school education.
Her long history of attendance at New Haven Board of Education meetings, where she was known to freely express her opinions supporting better education for New Haven youths, is well documented and known to many.
Hazel had a strong spirit of love towards all and in addition to giving her time and energy to education and community activism, she also regularly donated money to her church and many other charitable organizations. Hazel will be dearly missed by all who have been privileged to know her.
Hazel was predeceased by her husband, James Pappas; and five of her siblings. She leaves behind five children, Photis (Chris) Nicolaou (North Branford, CT), Cassandra Pappas (New Haven, CT), Juliet (John) Smith (Macon, GA), Tassoula Nicolaou-Jones (West Haven, CT), and Markos (Shamily) Pappas (New Haven, CT); ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life took place Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at First and Summerfield United Methodist Church, 425 College St, New Haven, CT 06511. Interment was at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Pappas family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com
Heaven has a true angel right now.she fought for all children and schools .she helped so many people.she always had a smile for you.her dedication to the children was her life .my prayers are for her family.she will be missed.