Denise (Simoncini) Pappas

Denise E. (Simoncini) Pappas, 64 of Worcester passed away Good Friday, April 19, 2019 surrounded by the ones she loved after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

Denise is survived by the love of her life and husband for the last 43 years, John T. Pappas; her two sons, Lee Pappas and his wife Jennifer, and Mark Pappas; her two grandchildren she adored, Maverick and Fitzgerald “Fitzy“.  Denise also leaves two sisters, the Honorable Deborah A.S. Capuano and her husband John, Doreen L. Quatela and her husband Anthony, her father-in-law, Angelo T. Pappas; brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends, including her nephew John J. Giordano IV, DMD, who she loved like a brother.  Denise’s mother-in-law, Margaret T. (O’Coin) Pappas pre-deceased her. 

Denise was born in Worcester, MA, one of three daughters of the late Alfred A. and Margaret L. (Turco) Simoncini.  She attended Scared Heart Academy and graduated from St Peter’s Central Catholic High School.  She then entered Quinsigamond Community College earning an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. She was a registered Dental Hygienist for 44 years and worked the last 19 years for the University Dental Group.  She was a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and Massachusetts Dental Hygiene Association carrying licenses in three states, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia. 

Denise was active in alumni activities with Quinsigamond Community College notably serving as the first president of the Dental Hygiene Alumni Association.  Proud of her profession, Denise volunteered her time with many dental programs at various schools and eldercare programs.  She was a member and past president of the Saint Peter-Marion High School Touchdown Football Club for many years. 

Denise had a “Million Dollar Smile”.  She unselfishly devoted her time to her family, profession and patients unconditionally.  She felt a strong connection to the elderly and cared for all whom she came in contact with.  Denise was also known for her love of Leopard and Cheetah printed clothes, purses and household items.  It was considered her wild side.  

Denise was a spiritual person, she collected angels and proudly displayed them in her “Angel Room”.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to two of Denise’s closest friends, Patty Nims and Luann Loughlin, for their loving care and support.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours Tuesday, April 23rd from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Wednesday April 24th from 9 am to 10:15 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be celebrated Wednesday, April 24th from the funeral home with a procession to  Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd, where her celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow in St John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org/donate, Massachusetts General Hospital, www.massgeneral.org/donate, or the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, www.vnacare.org/donors.