Connie J Lekas' Obituary
Constantina “Connie” Lekas, born August 6, 1944 in Fargo, North Dakota to Constantine and Bernice, passed away at 1:11 p.m. on April 1, 2017. The time of death is significant as her late son Daniel’s police force badge number was 111. She grew up in Oakland. An artist, she attended California College of Arts and Crafts and was a prolific painter throughout her life. Her career was devoted to public education, working with special education students in the Castro Valley Unified School District for over 30 years.Connie was a fierce advocate for the arts, especially in the world of dance, playing a role contributing time, money and encouragement to young dancers in Castro Valley Performing Arts. In addition, she founded the nationally acclaimed, champion Castro Valley High School Dance Team. She herself had a passion for dancing, participating in numerous ballroom dance competitions.“Dance was an activity that Connie loved. She used dance to touch her soul and to touch the lives of others. The social and competitive ballroom dance worlds were lucky to have such a dedicated and passionate partner. Connie danced, taught, inspired, mentored and always left a smile while on that dance floor. She will truly be missed.” Bradley Montoya“Connie helped every child at the dance studio who needed it; feeding them, giving them rides and even buying costumes for anyone who couldn’t afford it. She was their biggest cheerleader, their confidant and their shoulder to cry on. Connie was someone the students knew they could rely on when other adults had let them down and someone that the teachers and faculty depended on to bring a smile to their face even on a difficult work day. There is now tremendous void where her once vibrant spirit filled the dance rooms.” Janet TaddieAlways involved in finding ways to help others, Connie founded a local chapter of Operation Mom, providing support, both emotionally and through care packages to military and their family members. She was also a life member of the 100 Club, providing financial support to police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty. She was an honorary Rotary Club member, served on the Rodeo Parade Committee, a member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. She volunteered her time in her children’s classrooms, supported the high school football team as well as the cheerleading and other sport teams in addition to the P.T.A. During the Vietnam War, she served as a volunteer at Oaknoll Hospital.If a name could be ascribed to the words compassion, selflessness, caring and love it would be Connie. In all aspects of her life, her mission was to serve others. She was the “Yia Yia” or “Mom” to every child with whom she came in contact. She cultivated close, lasting relationships with her special education students and their families, keeping in touch with many of them long after they left her school. She was always a champion of the efforts of every child, meeting their various needs no matter what they were.“Connie’s impact on the Special Education students of Castro Valley will be long felt after her passing. She touched the lives of many children and families with her caring and dedication. Those of us who had the pleasure of working with her will forever remember her unmatched commitment to provide the best. We love you.” Teacher and Aaron aka Janice Peabody and Aaron AckermanPart of Connie’s kind hearted nature was exemplified in her love of animals – any animal that came into her life whether it was brought home by her children or specially selected. No matter the sort; alligator, octopus, fish, bird, kitty, or puppy, Connie took care of them, one way or the other. She especially cherished her last two French Bulldogs, Gucci and Chanel.Second to none however, was Connie’s unconditional love and devotion to her two children, Daniel and Tiffany. This carried on to her granddaughter, Angelica and son-in-law, Aaron. Each of their relationships was uniquely special because she was their best friend. She never turned her back on them no matter how bad the situation. All lessons and wisdom she imparted were taught with love. Her house was a constant hub of activity to her children’s friends as well, offering to all who entered a listening ear, advice, laughs, and support whenever needed. She encouraged and provided opportunities for her children and their friends to excel whether through words or a helping hand. She was a rock in her children’s lives and cannot be replaced.“I will love you forever, my best friend and only other person I’ll ever call Mom.” Aaron“You will never be forgotten. You will always be loved and forever MINE! You are my sunshine…” TiffanyConnie was rich in friendships. To know her was to know a tough, fun loving, joyful lady with unparalleled spunk and a keen sense of humor. She was afraid of nothing, not even cancer. She took on this disease with her usual poise and grace, determined to give it everything she had, even at the expense of great pain.“Laughter was the name of the game for Connie and her great sense of humor will never be forgotten. I will miss my dear friend’s kind, generous spirit but know she will always be in my heart.” Teresa MoalConnie is survived by her daughter, Tiffany, Tiffany’s father James Dillon, her son-in-law, Aaron, granddaughter, Angelica, her Aunt Helen Lekas, Uncle Mitchell Lekas, nieces Julie Groff and Katie Rowley and her longtime companion Jerry Lecatsas.Her son, Daniel Garcia, his father John Garcia, sister Annie Lekas Rowley, nephew Dean Cabrera and her Aunt Bess Lekas predeceased her.When thinking about Connie’s life, the words of Dr. Seuss come to mind; “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” She would have loved that.May her memory be eternal.Special request from Connie; If you would like to send flowers, she would love yellow roses and/or baby’s breath but please, no Lilies.
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