IMOGEN PAPADOPOULOS

11/12/1929 - 11/15/2023

Imogen “Immy” Sherman Papadopoulos, 94, devoted her life to helping families and children through her work as an attorney, counselor, and tireless advocate. She passed away on November 15, 2023 in Houston, Texas, her home of over 50 years.

Immy was born to Jewish Hungarian-American parents in 1929 and was indelibly shaped as a child of the Great Depression and WWII. She met the love of her life, Greek immigrant Michael Nicholas Papadopoulos, during their undergraduate studies at Miami University of Ohio. They married and moved to California to rear their four sons.

While transferring around the U.S. for her husband’s job with Shell Oil, Immy completed her Master’s in Counseling from Southern Illinois University in 1965 and settled with her family in Houston in the early 1970s.

She became an active volunteer focusing on the welfare of youth and families. Her passion for helping children led her to earn her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law at age 55 in 1984, with a focus on family law.

As a practicing attorney for nearly 40 years, Immy specialized in representing children and families in crisis and served frequently as ad litem for minors. Immy was a dedicated advocate, volunteering countless hours. This included frequent trips to Austin to help shape child protective policies. She served on numerous boards and committees, including the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Council and the Houston Bar Association.

Her profound impact was recognized through awards like the David Gibson Award for Professionalism and Excellence in Family Law, the Trailblazer for Youth Award from Texas Network of Youth Services, and a Hometown Hero Award for her community work. She was a

Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Houston.

Immy leaves behind a legacy of selflessly helping thousands of youth, families, and communities in need over her long career. Her fierce commitment to their welfare and rights will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Immy’s life will be held in the Spring of 2024. Those wishing to remember Immy are encouraged to make a contribution in her name to the South Texas College of Law or the American Leadership Forum, Houston

Her husband predeceased her, as did her eldest son, Nicholas Michael Papadopoulos. She is survived by three sons, Stephen Michael, Gregory Michael, Philip Michael Papadopoulos; Seven grandchildren, Michael Gregory, Michael Stephen, Matthew Stephen, Kathryn Elizabeth, Helen Christina, Marcus Stephen and James Michael Papadopoulos; And nine great-grandchildren.