Connie Socratous

I will miss you dearly my dear friend. I believe one day we will be together again. You will stay in my heart forever. Love Lina x

My deepest condolences to all who loved Connie. May her love continue to follow and comfort you in all that you do. Connie and I have a mutual friend, Olivia. I had long heard about the wonder that is Connie. Her warmth and generosity preceded her. While I was visiting Olivia from Minnesota, Connie included me immediately into her circle of friendship. I loved her energy and her absolute fabulousness. Her whole being lit up when she spoke of her family. I became ill while I was on my holiday and Connie sent a care package and good wishes. I appreciated all that Connie did for my friend, and now I was also experiencing it. Connie loved out loud and I am grateful I was able to experience a sliver of this. In sympathy, Denise Tirimacco

From Yianoulla and Stelios

I could write pages about what Connie meant to me and what a truly wonderful and kind woman she was. Her and Marios began as neighbours and became close friends. She was so incredibly generous to me – always leaving me delicious dishes either she had made or sharing her daughter Georgie’s trial recipes in what we used to call “the usual place” – the little alcove between our houses. During the lockdown, we would meet every day to have a socially distanced chat and keep each other sane. In time, I came to realise that I could discuss and confide in her and she would never be judgemental, and she always gave me sound advice. She made me feel better no matter what the circumstances and had a wicked sense of humour which she frequently used on me to exploit my natural gullibility! Connie supported me in everything I did. Even our two cats adored her, and she always made time for them and always remembered their birthdays! Above all this, when I think of Connie, the words kind, generous, nurturing and resilient come to mind. I used to tell her that I wanted to be her “when I grow up”. She had an amazing innate sense of style which I much admired, and I never saw her look anything but seemingly effortlessly “put together” – even when she had been unwell. She never felt sorry for herself and was always upbeat and optimistic, and she always lifted my spirits and made me feel loved. She was a truly beautiful woman inside and out and the loss I feel cannot be expressed in words. Connie was so proud of and loving to Marios, their daughters, her sister, niece and granddaughters and Dino the cat – they were her whole world, but she always made time for others. I see the same qualities and beauty that I saw in Connie in all of them. There will always be a Connie-shaped hole in my heart that can never be filled. I cannot believe that we will all have to live in a world without her. I will always cherish her memory, and I will never let her go. Rest peacefully, my dear friend Connie. Love, Liv XXX

In loving memory of this amazing lady A loving wife, mother , auntie, granny and sister Taken too soon she will be truly missed All our love Sue and Chris

There are friends, and then there are true friends. I count a “true friend” as someone who enters your seemingly settled scope of existence, at whatever stage, and, perhaps subtly and unexpectedly, injects new joy into and becomes an essential part of the fabric of your life: someone who, every time you see them, lifts your spirits and gladdens the heart. Someone who makes life so much more worth living both for yourself and for others. In my book, Connie was the exemplar of a true friend. She was an incredible human being: a wonderful woman, stylish but not conceited, a singular line of beauty (inside and out), interested and interesting, kind and cunning (her skits/pranks are legendary). My wife, Olivia, and I first met Connie and Marios when we became their close neighbours some eight years ago. It did not take too long for all of our lives to become intensely interwoven. For Olivia it was a daily communication with Connie, in person or via text/phone, with many laughs and some lows requiring loving help, sound advice and unswerving support. For me it was usually the weekly in-passing encounters at home or in Waitrose! For both of us it was meeting Connie’s wonderful, beautiful family and being a part of their lives, however tangentially. And then there were the evenings out over food and drink, the fish-and-chip suppers and, of course, the cat-sitting during holidays. Our cats, Maxim and Saskia (M&S!), took to C&M (Connie and Marios) from the off, and their cat, Dino, eventually came around to us – when he wanted food! I am a physicist by training and trade. I’m no Einstein, but Albert himself, upon learning of his best friend’s passing, said to the widow (I paraphrase), “Don’t worry, while we miss him I know we will see him again, IN THIS LIFE.” He was referring to the block theory of the Universe in which everything is happening everywhere all at once. It might sound bonkers but I’m not about to gainsay Einstein … Whatever the case, I believe Connie is very much still with us in this world, not just in our memories, dreams and imaginings, but in our real lives, making all of us better people for having the privilege and fortune to know her. CONNIE: Consummate. Outstanding. Nonpareil. Naughty! Individual. Everlasting (in hearts, minds and souls).

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Connie’s loved ones. A beautiful soul taken far too young   With our love, Marina & Sotos xx

We first met Connie through Peter and Georgia when they were courting, Connie greeted us with a big hug and a smile. We found her to be a wonderful mother and grandmother and became good friends and will be dearly missed. Carl and Heather

I still don’t believe you are no longer here. I am going to miss your bone breaking hugs and the sound of your laughter. Thank you for all the love over the years. Sleep well. Love Claire xxx

My deepest condolences to all her loved ones and the beautiful family she leaves behind. I didn’t know Connie for a long time but as soon as I met her I felt like I knew her a lifetime. She was so loving, kind, warm and such a special soul. I will miss her terribly and I truly loved her. Thank you for the amazing chats we had and all the laughs. May you rest in peace and I hope you are flying high with all the angels.

When I think of Connie I always smile. She radiated a warmth, a light that shone so bright you couldn’t help but feel as special as she was when you were in her presence. I remember visiting their home when she’d just had little Loulou. She was so happy and grateful for her beautiful baby and her beloved Mario and she was just so excited for their future together. Whenever we’d meet over the years she always maintained that same gratefulness and positivity and always smiling. She was truly blessed with her wonderful daughters, granddaughters and so much loving family around her. May you rest in eternal peace my friend. Love, Helen Therabou x

Connie was a wonderful person. I am so sorry she is gone. My deepest sympathies to the family. Love Margaret

We are absolutely heartbroken for your loss. Connie was one of the kindest, most welcoming people who always had a way of making everyone feel at home. We know how deeply this loss will be felt by everyone and there are no words to express how sorry we are. We are honoured to make a donation in Connie’s memory and to support the values she lived by so naturally. We are sending all our love and strength to Georgie, Marios, Lulu, and the whole family. Sarah, Ewan, Luca & family xxx

I didn’t know Connie well but she was warm and friendly and so welcoming whenever I did see her, she was kind and caring towards my own children as if they were her own family. I’m lucky enough to have met one of her gorgeous daughters and have grown so close to her and her lovely family. You can see how much Connie loved her family and what an amazing role model she was as a mother in the way Georgie shows the same love to her family and friends. The world won’t be the same without Connie in it but I know Georgie will always have her in her heart. We love you all xx

I’m grateful I had the opportunity to meet Connie. For several years, we spent our breaks in the same office. I laughed a lot thanks to her. She had an incredible sense of humor. I’m grateful for all our conversations. She brought so much joy and care. I often found various delicacies from her on my desk or in the refrigerator. Beautiful memories remain in my mind and heart. I’m so grateful that we had a close, warm, friendly relationship. I miss her so much. She knew how to love and serve others, to help and support. I believe she’s close to God now. With love Elżbieta

May she rest in peace  Great cause x Sharbelina & Luciano