Connie Marie Norkoli

Connie Marie (Maki) Norkoli of Sun City, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2024, with family members by her side. Connie was 77 years old. Connie was born on July 1, 1946 in Negaunee, Michigan 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 grandchildren. After her retirement from teaching in 2004 Connie could often be found on the golf course; attending movies and traveling with her friends; 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), nephew Todd Maki (wife Kimberly Maki and children Gabby, Keaton and Brynn), nephew Michael Maki (wife Laura Maki and children Isaac and Sonya), niece Jenny Messina (husband Sam Messina and children AnnMarie, Anthony and Elizabeth), and 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 celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Parkway Bar and Grill in Aurora, Colorado (22775 E. Aurora Parkway, Aurora, CO 80016). If you have pictures or stories you would like to share about Connie, the family asks that you bring those to the celebration. A service will be held on June 1, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Negaunee, MI (550 Cherry Street, Negaunee, MI 49866). Additional details regarding the time of that service will be provided at a future date and will also be posted in the Mining Journal.