In Memory

Mary Anne (Sue) Pappas (Tripolitis)

Mary Anne (Sue) Pappas (Tripolitis)

Mary Anne Tripolitis, 78, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 2, 2017. She was born August 9, 1938, to Paul and Frances Pappas, in St. Louis, Missouri. Mary Anne is survived by her son, Michael; her daughters, Christina and Vicki; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jordan, Ashley, Michael, and Tanner; great grandchild, Jace; and her dog Cooper. The family will be holding a private service. "Nana, we love you and you will always be in our hearts."

Condolences may be sent to her daughter Vicki Tripolitis at vickizemail@yahoo.com.

The following was written by her daughter Vicki:  Mary Anne (“Sue” Pappas) Tripolitis was a long-time resident of Las Vegas.  She grew up on the corner of N. 16th St. and E. Bonanza St. in a small two bedroom home with her mom back when everyone knew everyone in Vegas.  She graduated from Las Vegas High School when it was the only high school in the city.  She had 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and recently was so proud to hold her first great grandchild in January.  After graduating high school in 1956, she attended beauty school and cut hair for several years before making the switch to waitressing.  One of the first casinos I remember her working was at the Royal Inn – graveyard!  In 1989, she opened the Mirage where she eventually retired at age 65 after serving and entertaining so many tourists, residents, and celebrities (such as Frank Sinatra, Robin Williams, Jerry Lewis,…) over so many years. Her senior years revolved around her five grandkids.  And of course her dogs.  She always had at least one dog in her life.  Cooper was her last faithful companion, but the two I remember most were Kojak and Joque.  When she was young, she played the piano and took dance lessons.  I never saw her dance, but the piano she played as a kid was still with her in her home as she raised me and my brother/sister (twins).  She enjoyed decorating her home during the holidays, and throughout the year with different themes.  Growing up it was initially frogs, then clowns, and later each room had its own theme.  She enjoyed working in the yard and she always took pride in a clean / well-kept home.  Growing up I also remember her making a mean Greek Pastitsio, and all the fancy Christmas cookies and baked goods throughout the year.  She always dressed nicely and looked like she had just walked out of a beauty salon with her hair and makeup always beautifully done.  Even taking her last breaths, I couldn’t believe that her toes and nails were perfectly manicured and painted purple with a fancy swirl design!  I couldn’t help but smile at the thought that even through the pain near the end she did something nice for herself.  She did so much for everyone else always remembering every birthday and holiday with a special card or thoughtful gift that it was nice to see that she took a moment for herself as well.