Mary Alice Koch "Cookie" Papadimitriou

Mary Alice Koch Papadimitriou, affectionately known as “Cookie (Pappas or Pop),” passed away with her daughters and Gardy by her side on January 24, 2025. Mother and mentor to many, she lived a full and adventuresome life.

Born April 14, 1936, in Erie, Pennsylvania to John Joseph Koch of Germany and her Irish Mother, Marie U. Flanigan Koch. Cookie adored her elder brother John “Jack” David Koch who was ten years her senior and spoiled her rotten. She introduced brother Jack to her dear friend Fay Savasta from Buffalo General Hospital, and they married.

Cookie attended Mercyhurst Seminary and College. Her passion for Medicine and quality patient care pushed her to study Immunohematology becoming a Blood Banker with a Masters Degree in Healthcare Management. On her graduation cruise to Europe, she literally ran into and fell in love with a Greek officer on the ship. She married Kyriakos Papadimitriou, better known as “Mike Pappas.” They traveled the world. Upon the death of her parents, they made their home in Charleston, SC.

Cookie joined the Medical University of South Carolina/MUSC’s Allied Health Sciences practicing and teaching her love of blood banking. She served as the clinical supervisor for infectious diseases with the American Red Cross, and Hospital Laboratory Administration with County Hospital. She later was recruited by the Food and Drug Administration as the Biological Specialist-Consumer Safety Officer for the East Coast and also traveled internationally doing laboratory inspections for the FDA.

Although she loved medicine, her biggest love was being a Mom. Cookie is survived by Kathleen M. Papadimitriou AKA “kp,” presently CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, and Judy M. Papadimitriou fondly referred to Judy Pop, currently The Executive Pastry Chef and owner of Pies, Cakes & S’More. Her life as a mother drove her to become a Girl Scout leader for 25 years. She inspired her children and their friends by leading them on outdoor, cultural, and spiritual adventures. She advocated the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary and how to be strong women and good citizens.

Cookie motivated others through camping, horseback riding, backpacking and so much more all throughout the Southeast, Western US, Europe, and Mexico. Her collection of children continued to grow throughout her lifetime. Cookie was a founder of the Zonta Charleston Chapter, served in many positions including the Lieutenant Governor for Zonta International, a professional women's leader organization. As an active member of the Catholic Church, she valued good friends, good food, the Lowcountry, and loved her family.

She is survived by her brother’s children, niece Amy Koch McCasland and nephew John and Patricia Koch and their children, her sister-in-law Joyce Savasta and brother-in-law, Russell and Roberta Savasta of Buffalo, NY.

She is also survived by her Greek sister-in-law, Kyriaki “Koula” P. Kordonis, and her brother-in-law E. “Louis” Papadopoulos of Virginia as well as her nieces and nephews: Lena and George Vozikis, Matina Kordonis, Pano and Angela Kordonis, Louizos and Alex Papadopoulos, Matina and Jim McGrath and their children and grandchildren.  And of course, the multitude of children to which she became a “Second Mother” and much-loved friend of many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the much-needed expansion of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, SC, Inc., a charity dedicated to families of critically ill children. The capital campaign Expanding Hope Project link is https://expandinghopermhccharleston.org.

The Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation at 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC, 29412. The funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel at 56 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC  29439, on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, followed by the Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, at 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC  29412 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will convene afterward at The Segra Club—Riley Park (River Dogs), 360 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC 29403, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 614-8494.