Theodosia Ada Papantonakis

  Theodosia A. (Pappas) Papantonakis – also known as Ada – 91, was called home on Dec. 31, 2022, while at Life Care Center in Casper Wyoming.  She was born in Casper, WY on October 20, 1931 to Gregory and Helen Pappas.

  Ada graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper in 1949.  She went on to Montana State in Bozeman, MT and studied Nursing.  While on a graduation trip to Europe, she met the love of her life in Chania, Crete and decided to stay.  Ada married Anthony (Tony) Papantonakis in Crete on Oct. 18, 1952.  The two lived there for the next 12 years before moving back to Casper, Wyoming.  They shared 37 years together before he passed in 1989.  Ada never got over the loss of her beloved husband.

  Ada’s love of the Lord, along with Mary and all the saints and her church were one of her biggest passions.  She was a devout Catholic and spent many years doing service work.  She volunteered at food banks and homeless shelters – even going to Denver just for that sole purpose. She enjoyed spending time in meditation and prayer with the Benedictine Sisters at the Monastery in Dayton, WY.   Another passion was her career.  She spent her lifetime in health care and took pride in making sure she followed all ethical protocols and was definitely a take charge type of nurse.  She even earned the nickname ‘Sarge’ from the late Monsignor Meyer referring to how she handled emergency situations.  Starting in Crete – volunteering with the World Health Organization and continuing on earning a Masters from Weber State in Utah and then continued to keep her license after her retirement in 1994 ‘just in case she would need to help somewhere’- she loved her profession.  After her retirement, Ada began her journey with another passion.  She became the primary caregiver for her two cherished grandchildren. It was her mission to provide the best experiences – going to the library, setting up piano lessons, outings to museums and music in the park.  She also took them on vacations – even a train trip to California to meet more of our huge extended Greek family.  She provided them with structure, meals made with grandmotherly love and memories they both will treasure forever.

  Ada is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Tony and her dear brother John Pappas.  She is survived by her son, John Papantonakis and her daughter, Pari (Papantonakis) Swanson; her two grandchildren, Katrina Swanson and fiancé Ben Neal, and Gregory Swanson; and her nephews Gregory, Fernando, and Michael Pappas and their families.  There are also many extended family members throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Greece.

  Services will be on Friday March 31, 2023 in Casper Wyoming at St. Patricks Church with burial and lunch afterwards with Father August Koeune (who had a special place in her heart) officiating.  Bustards Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  Donations or charity work in her memory can be made in service to the poor/hungry/ homeless of personal choice.