Marjorie Lee Pappaioanou

Marjorie Lee Pappaioanou (Reynolds)

On Tuesday November 26th, 2024, the world lost an incredible adventurer and one of the kindest human beings you could ever meet. Marjorie Lee Pappaioanou (Reynolds) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a short but fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on September 29, 1942, in Boone, North Carolina, Marjorie lived a life that was anything but ordinary — filled with adventure, laughter, and a tireless dedication to helping others, always with her heart open and her passport ready.

Marjorie graduated from Appalachian High School in 1960, and her next stop was Charlotte Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she found her calling, graduating as a Registered Nurse. It was in Charlotte in 1966 that she met her future husband, George James Pappaioanou. The two were married on March 30, 1968, kicking off 56 years of marriage—an achievement that, by all accounts, should qualify her for sainthood.

Their greatest adventure began in 1971 when they moved to Tokyo, Japan, where Marjorie fully immersed herself in the culture. She learned and remained competent in Japanese, studied bonsai, ikebana, and became a master of Japanese cuisine. Between exploring new corners of the world and starting a family—two sons were born during their time overseas, adding to the joy and adventure of their life abroad. From Japan, Marjorie and George explored Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, sparking a lifelong love of international travel that would take Marjorie to the farthest reaches of the globe.

After returning to the U.S. in 1978 and settling in Carmel, Indiana, Marjorie resumed her nursing career in 1980 at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, where she was surgical nurse, retaining that position for 35 years—retiring in 2015. Caring for children was her passion, and her calm, nurturing presence left a lasting impression on countless families and colleagues.

Starting in 2001, Marjorie volunteered her nursing talents with Operation Smile, helping children in need of medical care. No location was too far or too remote. Whether heading off to Siberia, Egypt, Vietnam, Guatemala, or boarding USNS Mercy Marjorie never hesitated, as she was legendary for “packing like a ninja” passport in hand and boarding a plane. Over the next 20 years, she completed 14 missions, with operation smile and other volunteer medical missions. These efforts included visits to over 15 countries over the course of 25 years, completing her final mission in Guatemala in May of 2024 at the age of 81. Arriving home with incredible stories, new friends, and a heart full of joy.

When she wasn’t halfway across the world, Marjorie could be found giving back to her local community. She was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Carmel, Indiana, where she was active in the Philoptochos women’s group and regularly volunteered at the annual Greek Festival.

She was also a proud member of P.E.O. International, an organization supporting women’s education—a cause she cared about deeply. Her dedication reflected in the fact that she hosted a P.E.O. event at her home weeks before her passing, despite the advanced stage of her disease.

Marjorie’s zest for life extended far beyond her travels and volunteer work. She had an enduring love of nature and could often be spotted cycling through the neighborhood. She was an accomplished tennis player on the Volvo Amateur League (USTA) and took up golf in her 60s with the sole goal of besting George (a feat she accomplished) she was a talented cook and baker, always ready to host and always willing to share a toast with an enticing glass of champagne or a cosmo. Her warmth, laughter, and flair for entertaining made every gathering a celebration.

Marjorie is survived by her husband George, brother James Reynolds, sons Chris, Mark and James Pappaioanou and all of their families along with countless friends whose lives she touched with her kindness and joy. Her 82 years were full of love, laughter, and adventures that took them around the world and back again.

Marjorie’s life will be celebrated in the laughter, love, and stories she shared with all of us. Her visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W. 10th St., Carmel, IN. A funeral service will immediately follow at the church at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Operation Smile: www.operationsmile.org

To quote Marjorie herself, “Life’s an adventure—pack light, laugh often, and never say no to a glass of champagne!” May her memory be eternal.