I was informed earlier today that warmblood breeder Barbara Pappas of Alpharetta GA passed away yesterday after suffering an aneurysm. Those of you in the GA-SC-AL-TN area may know her from area Hanoverian, Oldenburg, and ISR/ONA inspections. I don’t have details yet on funeral arrangements, or on what will happen with her horses, although most will probably be offered for sale since her husband isn’t “horsey”. I believe there are some foals expected in the next few months. RIP to Barbara. She will be missed by many.
How incrediably sad! My condolances to the family. I remember when I first started showing in hand in 2004 she was stabled across from me at Atlanta. What a kind and generous lady - and such a good spirit! She and I giggled all weekend about her cute filly that “attacked” every flower pot at the show on the triangle that weekend. I still crack up thinking about that filly. She and mom really hit it off and she made us feel so welcome showing… she’ll be missed. :sadsmile:
I remember that filly! She was a hoot!
And yes, Barbara was a very kind and generous lady, and a good breeder. I know many in this area will miss her.
I just heard about this. How very sad.
Yes, I also heard that her lovely horses will probably be sold.
I didn’t know her personally but my condolences to all involved.
Yes it has been a shock to all of us who knew her, as it was very unexpected.
She helped me through the last year understanding breeding as I entered into this with my mare and resulting filly foal.
I showed this week for the first time in the yearling class, and had expected Barbara to be there, she helped me wean my baby, and lots of other help.
Instead we are mourning the loss of a wonderful lady and a great horsewoman. God speed Barbara, you will be sorely missed.
Very sad…so sorry for her family! I haven’t met her, but as a fellow breeder—I’m sure she left a legacy.
Please pass condolences to the family and friends. That is incredibly sad for all.
Donna Ray
What sad and sudden news.
I had known Barbara for more than 14 years. She and I were friendly competitors when I lived in GA and at inspections, she was so supportive. It is a loss to the breeding world that this lady is gone. SHe wll be missed.
Maryanna Haymon
www.marydellfarm.com
2007 USEF Breeder of the Year!
My condolences to her family… I knew her from many shows & talking on the phone… Always such a lovely person & was just super kind & friendny to everyone. Very sad & will be greatly missed.
The Dworkin Family
Irish Hills Farm
Sumterville, Florida
How terribly sad. My condolences to her family and friends.
Barbara Pappas
Thank you so much for posting this news. I’ve known Barbara for a number of years and used to enjoy catching up with her at inspections and breed shows in Atlanta. She was such a special person, fun, knowledgeable, and smart. She’ll be much missed. Will you be sharing funeral arrangements when you know them?
Barbara Pappas
I Googled my Mom’s name yesterday and came across this forum. I was overwelmed but not surprised. I am not and have never been “horsey” but was so gratified to see that even the horse community knew my Mom they way her family knew her, full of love and ready to laugh. She really loved her horses and the people she met because of them. The local horse community of North Georgia supported us while she was struggling for her life as though they loved her as much as we did. It was so touching to see so many people who wanted to see her warm smile and hear her laugh again. She has managed to touch so many people’s lives in both the horse and oncology world in a positive way. On behalf of my siblings and my Mom’s partner Ernie, thank you for all your kind words and thoughts. You can honor my Mom everyday on your farms and in your stables by loving your horses the way she did. Any one of God’s creatures that had four legs and a coat was worthy of love as far as my Mom was concerned. God Bless you all! Mark Adamek
My condolences to you Mark Adamek and the wonderful mum you had! And to Ernie!
May she be romping with all the wonderful horses she has bred who were waiting to greet her!
Barbara Pappas
That was quote was funny but true. She never met a dog that wasn’t as good as any man she had ever met!
As an aneurysm survivor, my condolences to all of her family and friends. She sounded like a wonderful lady.
Barbara’s Son, thanks for coming on this forum. Many condolences to you and your siblings, and to Ernie. Barbara was a special lady, and I consider myself fortunate to have known her. We will miss her smile and happy spirit at our area inspections and shows.
Please keep us posted regarding the memorial service (to be sometime in February - correct?). Also let us know if there is anything we can do to help re-home her horses.
My condolences Mark, to you and your family, for the loss of your mother. While I did not know Barbara, hearing all the stories here makes me wish that I had known your mother as she sounds like a wonderful horsewomen and person. Best wishes to her family is this difficult time.
Condolences to you and your family Mark and many prayers during this dificult time.
