Leomonia (Zafranis) Pappas, 102, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023] with her daughter, Mercedes by her side. Leomonia was born in Thompsonville, CT in 1922 and was one of five daughters of Greek immigrant parents, Amedsoutha (Anne) Sarelli and Zafiris Zafranis. On October 10, 1942, she left home for duty in the Women's Army Auxillary Corp (WAAC later to become WAC). It was the first group of "buck privates" from Connecticut going to Fort Des Moines, Iowa to start basic training. It was the only facility at the time for training of women for basic army training. Leomonia was trained to work as a lab technician. She often said being in the army was the best two years of her life. Leomonia was a long-time resident of Waterford, Connecticut, and an active member of Saint Sofia Greek Orthodox Church where she sang in the choir, participated in bible study class, and baked communion bread. She had a strong work ethic, working until she was 88 years old.

Leomonia is survived by her three daughters: Helen Schlicht of Florida; Mercedes Suchocki and her husband John of West Hartford; and Georgia Pappas of Colorado. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Alexandra Leigh Harrison and Erika Schlicht Rodriguez.

Funeral Service for Leomonia will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 at 12 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral,  433 Fairfield Ave., Hartford, CT. with the Reverend Dr. George Zugravu officiating.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford.  The American flag will be presented to Leomonia's daughter Mercedes. Calling hours will be held Friday, from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com