Elaine Sandri Pappas was born on August 3, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York to Angelo and Josephine Sandri. After an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Elaine passed away peacefully in her home in Poway, California surrounded by her family. Elaine grew up rescuing lost animals, creating art, and loving effortlessly. A "jack of all trades," Elaine worked in various industries throughout her life. From her work as a commercial artist on Wall Street to an educator for at-risk youth, Elaine's greatest vocation was her role as a caretaker. She devoted herself to her family, anyone in need, and was an advocate for anyone she encountered, who could benefit from the type of empathy only she could provide. This compassion was evident in her connection to all beings, human and animal alike, as her greatest gift was her selflessness. Elaine had a unique ability to calm any living being, to make them feel safe, loved, and that they had someone they could truly trust. She embodied a person of Jesus Christ in her ability to love without limits, conditions, or exceptions. Her faith in God kept her fighting a strong fight so she could finish her race and, now, she reaps her reward in eternal paradise. Elaine is survived by her husband, A.J. Pappas; two children, Alfred (Stephanie) Pappas and Laceé Pappas; sister, Jeanne Zecchine; nieces, Cheryl Foytlin and Cristen Castro, and nephew, Karter Zecchine. Her funeral service will take place at her parish, St. Michael's Church in Poway at 11:00a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 (15546 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064), and will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery. Elaine's last gift to the world was to participate in a clinical trial to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. In her honor, please consider making a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) or the California Cancer Associates for Research and Excellence (cCARE).