Mary C. Elia “Connie”, 85 of New Port Richey, FL. Passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on May 17, 2023. She is survived by her husband; Savvas Elia; sons Tim Elia and Michael Elia; her daughter Mary Hazlinsky; daughter in-laws Desiree Elia and Teresa O’Brien; son in-law Edward Hazlinsky; her granddaughters Chance Elia, Nicole Hazlinsky Danielle O’Brien, and Dionne Johnson; grandsons David Breneman and Colton Johnson; sister in-laws Androula Kois and Frosou Savva; Brother in-law Nikos Kois; cousins, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Beloved Connie was predeceased by Father; Frank O’Brien’ Mother Mary O’Brien (Meaney); siblings Father Tim O’Brien, Michael O’Brien, Christy O’Brien, John O’Brien, Gerard O’Brien, Patricia Ryan, Margaret Owens, Fidelma O’Brien, and brother and sister in-laws.
Connie was born and raised in Springfort House Nenagh County Tipperary, Ireland. Connie’s place of birth remained near and dear to her heart. Connie attended nursing school in London, England where she met and married Savvas. They remained there until they immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1965. Between 1965 and 1978, Connie reared her family, helped to settle and support her extended family members from Cyprus and worked full time as a nurse. These were challenging but happy times for her and while in Canada, she created many bonds of love that were to remain with her throughout her life.
In 1978, opportunities arose and tired of the cold weather, Connie and Savvas, along with their children Tim, Mike and Mary moved to Florida, first settling in Clearwater and then to New Port Richey. In New Port Richey, Connie continued alongside Savvas, to create a wonderful family home, full of love, warm welcome to family and friends from near and through their example showed how good lives could be lived. Connie continued to work as a nurse, became involved in the Church and community, made a network of great friends, continued to welcome family from Ireland, Canada and further field. She had many wonderful qualities, hardworking, a great sense of humor, thoughtful, resilient, loving, a great listener and most of all, she was empathetic, insightful and always willing and able to give a helping hand when it was needed, putting herself and her needs before others.
Life in recent years was not easy for a woman who had lived a full life and given so much. Her health declined and while she managed to adjust to a life where she had to receive help rather than being the care giver, the deterioration of her health was not easy. While she had lost her brothers in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, it was the death of her beloved sister Fidelma in 2017, Margaret in 2020 and Patricia in 2022 that left her with heartache. During this time, her love for and love from her beloved Savvas and her children and their families kept her going.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Helena Ryan-Scully
May 19, 2023, 9:40 pm
My dear Aunt Connie…ur bright eyes, warm heart and gentle soul will live on in my memory always. I am so grateful for your light and love throughout my life.
Love always,
Helena & Jerry xx
Jeff and Tisha Newton
May 19, 2023, 10:07 pm
Our deepest condolences. Mrs. Elia was a staple in my childhood. She was always quick to greet me at the door when visiting my dear friend, Mary. Sitting at the counter chatting with Mary and her was always a highlight of my visit. Her thoughtfulness and generous ways will always be remembered and fondly missed.
As an adult, I feel so blessed that both my daughters and husband were able to spend time with Mrs. Elia and enjoy her beautiful presence as much as I did growing up. She will be remembered for her loving ways, listening qualities, realistic yet supportive conversations, and kind soul. She was always a class act who remembered where she came from and loved large. May you rest in eternal peace, Mrs. Elia. You will be greatly missed.
With love,
Tisha Milla Newton and family
Diane Diane
May 20, 2023, 12:12 am
An amazing woman who will be missed by all 💔💔💔💔
Tony O’Brien
May 20, 2023, 12:32 pm
Dear Aunt Connie you will always be in my heart, enjoy the company of all your family and friends who have passed before you, I am sure that you are enjoying a cup of tea and a chat with all the people whose life you touched
Tony ,Sandra and Andrew O’Brien NYC
Seán Owens
May 20, 2023, 3:22 pm
Go raibh leaba ag Connie i measc naoimh ársa na hÉireann.
A lovely person and will always remember her kindness and sense of humour.
Seán, Stella, Jack, Éanna agus Naoise.
Brendan Hickie
May 20, 2023, 3:36 pm
Although it has been nearly 50 years since I last encountered Connie and family from their time in Toronto and Orono Ontario, I remember her as being a very kind and gentle woman. We were related through the O’Briens on my father’s side of the family. My condolences to Savvas and family,
Brendan Hickie
Anne, Gabriel Emily & Kevin
May 20, 2023, 8:06 pm
Our hearts are broken for you Steve, Tim, Mike, Mary, Desiree, Teresa, Ed, Chance & Nicole, as well as for ourselves as say goodbye to our beautiful Auntie Connie, who always was so interested & caring to everyone.
Keeping in touch with her extended family in Ireland with cards & phone calls.
Mary Guerin
May 20, 2023, 9:06 pm
Sincere sympathy to Steve Tim Mike and Mary on the passing of Connie you’re beloved wife and mother she was a beautiful person kind and caring and always was so welcoming when I visited her home in florida thanks for everything Connie rest peacefully mary guerin and boys
Ellen Guerin
May 21, 2023, 9:38 am
Sincere sympathy to all of Connie’s family.
Fondly remembering her lovely visits to Nenagh over many years.
May she rest in peace.
Ellen Guerin.
Thomas O’Brien
May 21, 2023, 2:18 pm
Aunt Connie, your most sincere warmth, loving and welcoming spirit will forever live in my memory.
I clearly remember when growing up in Springfort how our father’s eyes would light up when he heard of your upcoming visits and how special those visits always were.
Deepest condolences to you Steve, Tim, Mike, Mary and to all who loved Aunt Connie as I. May she continue to remain in your thoughts and prayers.
Frances Fogarty & family
May 21, 2023, 7:01 pm
Sincere sympathy to all of Connie’s family, may her gentle soul rest in peace united with her sister Fidelma.
Deirdre Maloney
May 22, 2023, 1:25 pm
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of Connie’s family on her passing.
Have memories of Connie visiting us ,in Solsboro ,on her trips home.She had a great smile & a lovely gentle nature.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Deirdre & all the Solsboro O’Briens
Faye O'Brien
May 24, 2023, 9:20 pm
As small children living in Nenagh, we were so excited during her visits. Great Aunt Connie, coming from so far away, yet always remembering us and telling wonderful stories about her adventures. May she rest in peace now, with deepest condolences to cousins Mary, Mike and Tim, and Connie’s husband Steve.
Phyllis & Therese Guerin
June 4, 2023, 9:21 pm
Our sincere condolences to Steve, Tim, Mike and Mary on the very sad passing of your beloved Connie. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. We always enjoyed Connie’s visits to Nenagh as she was such a special lady. May she rest in peace.