Niki Drogaris was born near the end of World War II in the small village of Arna, near Sparta, Greece. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean by boat and came to Jersey City, New Jersey in 1958 with her mother Eleni, father Paraskevas, and her younger brother Thomas John. In 1966, she married her husband of 54 years, Lambros Pappas. Niki, her husband, and her parents created a life together in Jersey City centered around her children, brother, nieces, nephews, friends, cousins and extended family on all sides. She had two daughters, Soultana and Eleni, who were the joy of her life. She gave both her daughters every good thing she could offer in this life, including quality educations. Both of her daughters remained very close to Niki throughout her entire life. She remained a loving and devoted daughter, caring for both of her aging and ill parents at her home until they passed.

In 1988, at the age of 44, Niki was diagnosed with breast cancer. She lived with metastatic breast cancer for 33 years. Her doctors were amazed at her resiliency and her ability to fight off the disease for several decades. She was involved in many DNA studies at major teaching institutions to help researchers understand how her body fought the disease. Even with cancer, Niki continued to keep a beautiful and impeccable home, continued to care for her parents and husband, and continued cooking for people she loved.

In 2009, after the death of her parents, she moved to Orange County, California. Niki was blessed to be at the birth of her granddaughter, Katerina, and was even more blessed to raise her. She took Katerina to her violin lessons and performances and taught her to read and write Greek. She made sure Katerina attended church and learned the Greek dances. She was close to her beloved younger brother Thomas and her sister-in-law Darlean who lived in Phoenix. They visited often and deeply enjoyed each other's company. Niki loved south Orange County with its rolling hills, oak trees, and Mediterranean climate. It reminded her of Sparta. There, she designed, furnished and decorated a beautiful home. She created lush gardens and landscaping and invited everyone in to enjoy their beauty. She entertained, cooked and baked incredible glyka. She was blessed to entertain His Eminence Archbishop Gerasimos twice in her home and enjoyed preparing food for him and his guests. She loved Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim. She enjoyed sitting in the church and listening to Father John Kariotakis sing and give his sermons in Greek.

Niki put others before herself. She forfeited her rights to the ones she loved with patience, self-sacrifice and long-suffering. She never complained about pain. She always stood strong in the face of challenges. She was stubborn, resilient, and very Spartan. She died quietly in her home during the early morning hours of April 3rd, surrounded by love and family. She is survived by her husband Lambros, daughters Soultana and Eleni, granddaughter Katerina, brother Thomas John (Darlean), nephew Thomas John, Jr. (Gabriele), nephew Nicolas, niece Alicia and many more cousins, nieces and nephews. She will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation in her name to Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

______________________________

 Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit  www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com  .
 
  AmericanObituary.com  is a Baywalk Marketing service.
 
  facebook.com/AmericanObituary  -  twitter.com/AmericaObituary