Connie Norkoli

Connie was born July 1,1946 in Negaunee, to Betty June (Sjoholm) Maki and William Mala Maki.

Connie graduated in 1964 from Negaunee High School and went on to attend Northern Michigan University where she graduated in 1968 with a Degree in Math. Connie married Bill Norkoli on August 17, 1968, celebrating their 55th year of marriage this last year. After moving to Colorado Springs in 1983, she taught math at East Junior High, Holmes Middle School, and finally at Palmer High School. Connie and Bill moved to Aurora in 2002 to be closer to her grandson.

After her retirement from teaching in 2003, Connie could often be found on the golf course; attending movies and traveling with her friends; and spending time with her family, grandsons and her grand dogs. An ever-present ‘Nana’, she could be found at soccer games, award ceremonies, taking the boys and their friends to the Zoo, Target, or just having a day at Nana’s house. Connie was quick to smile, loved staying busy in her kitchen, was a notoriously competitive card player, had a wonderful laugh, and was deeply devoted to her family.

Connie is survived by her husband, Bill Norkoli; her children: Ann Lujan (husband, Steve Lujan), Sara Hartley (husband, Sean Hartley) and Drew Norkoli; her grandchildren: Tanner Lujan (22), Will Lujan (18), and Cain Hartley (24). She is also survived by her brother, Gerry Maki (wife, Betty Neste); and her nephews, Todd Maki (wife, Kimberly Maki and children, Gabby, Keaton and Brynn), Michael Maki (wife, Laura Maki and children Isaac and Sonya); niece, Jenny Messina (husband, Sam Messina and children AnnMarie, Anthony and Elizabeth); and her brother, Darel Piziali (wife, Cheryl Piziali and their children).

Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Betty and William Maki and Geno Piziali.

A service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 1st, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Negaunee. The family will visit with relatives and friends after services from 12:00 noon – 2:00pm at the luncheon immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery at 2:15pm.

If you have pictures or stories you would like to share about Connie, the family asks that you bring those to the luncheon for sharing.