Connie Armatas

Connie Sue (Zaliares) Armatas, a beacon of love and strength, peacefully passed into blessed eternal life on Thursday, June 8th, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family at the Clermont Park Memory Care Center, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She leaves behind cherished memories and a profound impact on the lives of all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Coula Zaliares; sister Janice Zaliares, and in laws Sam and Georgia Armatas. She is survived by four children, Georgia Marie Armatas, Kyrie Lynn Biddle and her husband Scott, Andrea Sue Alexandrides and her husband John, and Samuel Theodore Andrew Armatas and his wife Jennifer. She was yiayia to six very loved grandchildren, Katiana Ventura and her husband Michael, Demitra, Antigone, Ariadne, Constantina and Ezekial. Recently she became a great-yiayia to Luca Joseph, born in May. Connie is also survived by her sister Georgia Stavropoulos, her ex-husband Honorable Andrew Armatas, his wife Merrill Linton, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Connie was born in Alliance, NE, to Theodore and Coula, she was their sunshine girl. From her youth, she displayed a passion for music, showcasing her exceptional talent as an alto in her high school choir. She also served as the church organist at the Greek Orthodox church in Bayard, NE, and played the piano as well as the flute in the marching band. Connie's radiant spirit shone brightly as she became the Hi-Y Queen of Alliance High School and secured the first runner-up position in the Miss Alliance Beauty Pageant.

Following high school, Connie relocated with her parents to Denver, where she soon became engaged to and married Andy Armatas, the son of Georgia and Sam Armatas, active members of the Denver Greek community. Connie's heart expanded with the arrival of her four children, as a devoted mother, she poured her love into her family, consistently offering unwavering support and presence in their lives.

Connie's deep faith was a guiding force in her life. She possessed an abundance of love for God, her church, and her family, becoming an esteemed and dedicated member of the cathedral. Her commitment to community service led her to serve as an advisor to GOYA, where her impact resonates to this day. Through her role, she imparted a wide range of skills while instilling the church's teachings. She facilitated philanthropy efforts, fostering the youth's understanding of giving through food donations and meal deliveries, as well as organizing bake sales and volunteering in various capacities, including managing garbage collection and running the Pepsi booths at the Greek Market Place. Connie's dedication played a significant role in the birth and growth of the Greek Festival, which has become a beloved tradition within the community.

Connie's passion for music continued to flourish as a devoted choir member. She cherished attending choir practice, surrounded by dear friends and family. Fond memories were etched in her heart from numerous choir trips across the United States and Greece. Even as her health declined, music remained a constant source of joy, and Connie sang with delight for as long as she could.

In addition to her musical talents, Connie possessed a love for cooking that blossomed during her mid-life years. She skillfully channeled her passion into a successful restaurant career, starting with managing her nephew's restaurant, Yanni's, and subsequently joining her son Sam in managing his restaurants. Connie took great pride in her work, demonstrating her forward-thinking nature, culinary skills, and dedication to exceptional service.

Connie's warm and welcoming nature extended to all whom she encountered. Her home was a place where strangers became instant friends, embodying her belief that everybody was always welcome. She joyfully served others, finding fulfillment in acts of kindness and love.

Her children held an incomparable place in her heart, and Connie treasured her role as their best friend, confidant, therapist, advisor, and assistant. Instilling strong family values, she nurtured her children into remarkable individuals who continue to embody her teachings.

Throughout her lifetime, Connie relished the opportunity to travel with her family. From adventurous car trips to destinations such as Mount Rushmore, Dinosaur Park, Salt Lake City, and Jackson Hole, to grander expeditions with extended family, including trips to Washington D.C., Hawaii, Italy, Edinburgh, and memorable summers spent in Greece, Connie found solace and joy in exploring new places and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. The mountains held a special place in her heart, and she and Andy were fortunate enough to acquire a cabin in Bailey, CO, where they spent weekends and summers engaging in card games, fishing, and family activities.

As Connie entered her retirement years, she embraced new experiences, cherished time spent with loved ones, and continued to be a source of strength and love for all who knew her. Her legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of being part of her life.

Services honoring Connie's life will take place at The Assumption of The Theotokos in Glendale, CO. The Trisagion service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14th, at 7:00 pm, followed by her funeral service on Thursday, June 15th, at 10:00 am. The light of Connie's love will continue to shine in the hearts of her family and friends, forever guiding them with her unwavering spirit and cherished memories. May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral