Sophia Costas

We are sad to announce our loving Mother, Grandmother and Friend, Sophia B. Costas (Sophie) passed away on Wednesday August 30, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband of sixty-eight years, Steve J. Costas and daughter Diane C. Bokron.

Born on May 17, 1932, Sophie was the only child to the late Anast and Constantina Bacus of West Hartford, CT. In her younger years, you would often find her with her mother dining at her father’s restaurant, The Connecticut Lunch. Sophie loved and cared for both of her parents throughout their lives.

Sophie graduated from William H. Hall High School and trained vocally at the Hartt School of Music. She graduated Central Connecticut State University, Magna Cum Laude, and pursued a career in teaching at King Philip School in West Hartford. Her first grade students were all in attendance at the church where she and Steve were married.

Steve and Sophie made their home in Wethersfield and had three daughters - Diane, Suzanne, and Joanne - whom she referred to as her “diamonds”. Sophie was proud of her family and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Throughout their marriage, she supported her husband Steve in the growth of the Omar Coffee Company.

As a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, she followed in the example of her parents. She and Steve were proud of their heritage and strong in their Greek Orthodox faith. They volunteered and supported their church in many ways. St. George Ladies Philoptochos honored Sophie as “Mother of the Year” for her dedication to the Church and credit to the community.

Sophie had a beautiful soprano voice and loved to play the piano. She was a vocal soloist for church and civic functions, a member of the Hartford Chorale and sang in her church choir every Sunday.

The Connecticut Opera, the Hartford Symphony, and Goodspeed Opera House were some of the musical venues she and Steve enjoyed and supported. Boy’s Town of Italy and The UConn Athletic Scholarship Fund were amongst others.

Look out for Sophie on the tennis court, golf course, and bridge table. She was a member of the Wethersfield Country Club for many years and was competitive in an understated way, winning many awards. Her ability came natural.

Sophie enjoyed many years in Wethersfield; White Sand Beach, Old Lyme; and Pompano Beach, FL with her family and many lifelong friends. To cook for her family and have them near, gave her great pleasure.

Sophie was strong, intelligent, generous, humble, and a joy to be around. Her wit made people laugh and smile. People were drawn to her lighthearted, upbeat spirit. This lives on in her children and grandchildren.

Sophie is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Stamos (Chris) of Dana Point, CA, and Joanne Knotts (Lou) of Farmington, CT and Buffalo, NY. “YiaYia” will be dearly missed by her eight grandchildren, Nicholas and Steven Bokron; Sophia, Stephanie, and Alexia Stamos; and Andrew, Michael, and Alexis Lemnios.

The family will receive relatives and friends, Monday September 4th at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield, CT from 5:00-8:00 PM, with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 PM. The funeral services will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT on Tuesday, September 5th at 11:00 AM. Everyone is asked to go directly to church. The burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in memory of Sophia Costas. A special thanks to all of the caregivers from Jewish Family Services, especially Gifty and Christine who were with her in her final days.