Snellville, GA – Judith Mary Kiley Pappas, lovingly known as Jude, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at 12:20 p.m., in St. Marys, Georgia, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 4, 1943, in Northampton, Massachusetts, to Margaret Adams Kiley and Bernard Kiley, of Hatfield, Massachusetts.
Jude attended Saint Mary’s Elementary School in Northampton and graduated from the Ursuline Academy in Springfield, Massachusetts. She briefly attended the University of Massachusetts before marrying George Daniel Pappas, also of Northampton, and relocating to Snellville, Georgia.
A strong, graceful, and deeply intelligent woman, people consistently commented on her unforgettable sense of style and touch of sass. Jude loved animals of all kinds and had a special affinity for dogs, horses, and elephants. She had a tender gift for nurturing children, delighting in their wonder and encouraging their growth. She worked in administration at Target Corporation for more than 20 years, where she formed many lasting friendships. A devout Roman Catholic, Jude lived her faith through her actions. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around her.
Jude was preceded in death by her son, Thaddeus, her parents, and her sister, Michaela Jane Kiley Cahillane, of Northampton, Massachusetts.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, George Daniel Pappas; her children, Jim D. Pappas, Melissa Pappas Price and husband Scott Price, and Zachary G. Pappas; her grandchildren, Maria D. Pappas, Nick G. Price, Cade R. Price, and Rhodes G. Price; her great-grandchildren, Navah Horne and Pax Horne; and her sister Kathy Fernandez and husband Manuel Fernandez, of Northport, NY. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Robert Cahillane; her sister-in-law, Marianne Pappas LaBarge; her brother-in-law, Richard LaBarge Sr.; her niece and godchild, Christina Cahillane; and her nephews, William Cahillane, Edward Cahillane, Anthony Cahillane, Richard LaBarge Jr., and Christopher LaBarge.
Jude will be remembered for her strength and grace, her sharp mind, quiet wisdom, the warmth of her dinner table, and the deep, abiding love she gave so freely to her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories that will be cherished always. She will be deeply missed.
A Mass will be held in Jude’s honor on June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church, 3200 Brooks Drive SW, Snellville, Georgia 30078. For additional information, the church may be reached at (770) 979-2500.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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