Events
Graveside
Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102Friday May 17, 2024 1:00 PM
Listen to Obituary
Cornelia (“Connie”) Christopulos Whitney, 94, of Salt Lake City, passed away on April 23, 2024.
Mom was born in 1930 in Salt Lake City, to Greek immigrants, George Christopulos and Anna Kanalapulos. She and her siblings (Plato, Katina, Diamond, Cleopatra and Virginia) had a strong work ethic. She worked at the YWCA throughout high school and beyond, teaching swimming. She took up tennis there as well, and became a local champion by the age of 17. Family lore even tells the story of her winning a tennis match against Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly, the first woman to ever win the tennis Grand Slam in one year.
She married her high school sweetheart, Spence Whitney, and was introduced to more sports at which she excelled — water and snow skiing, in particular. With Spence, she found her match in someone who enjoyed laughing as much as she did; but her laugh was simply unmatched. Their lively marriage lasted until Spence’s death in 2014.
Together they had 4 children: Spencie, Bob (Bobbie), JD, and Diane (Bill). Challenged with raising 2 of their sons (Spencie 1952-2007, and JD 1954-2015) with cognitive disabilities, she rose to the occasion and created a beautifully rich and adventurous life for her family. Her superpowers of patience, kindness, generosity and forgiveness took her mothering skills to the next level, always with that trademark laugh.
Connie was an avid gardener, often found in her happy place: the backyard patio and hillside at her home in Olympus Cove. There wasn’t a weed on God’s green earth that was safe from being pulled by her.
She also loved attending Miracle Rock church (which she co-founded with her sister Pat), traveling (highlighted by an 80th birthday trip to visit the hometowns of her Greek parents), volunteering, and coaching in the Special Olympics. Connie’s faith was unquestionable, which she was willing to share with anyone and everyone!
Affectionately known as YiaYia to many, and wildly adored by her 6 grandchildren, Ryan, Nate (Megan), Annie (Brando), Parker (Dan), Alexander (Sierra) and Whitney (Lindsey), she was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, clearly too many to name.
Connie was guided out of this life by true angels: Stephanie and Anitha, and the loving staff of Spring Gardens in Holladay. We thank them all immensely.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Special Olympics. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 17 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 5th South, Salt Lake City. We will celebrate Connie’s life at the Christopulos family reunion later in September. OPA!
Guestbook/Condolences
She is my angel 😇 I love your mom forever 💝
Bob, Diane and family. Your mother was a wonderful lady. She was so kind to Skip and my mother. The world is a better place because of Connie.
Aunt Cornelia, You will be greatly missed. WOMEN OF GOD WHO HAD DIVINE ORDER IN HER LIFE. 1. A relationship with her father in heaven. 2. Her husband, whom she loved dearly. 3. Her children, she love them with all her heart, HOW BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE who knew Connie,I love this Lady she was my prayer partner. Love Deborah Bowen
The Nelson and Whitney family lives have intersected in varied layers of generational familiarity and regard. I have always understood that the Nelson household greatly admired Connie. My parents spoke frequently of their enormous respect for the devotion and tenacity Connie demonstrated in her many endeavors. My recollection also includes that playful respect and genuine affection was also in great measure.
I was fortunate to reside with my parents before their departure. Within the last year of Jan's life we spent much time seeking easy and recognizable activities. There were a handful of occasions where we went to visit Connie to enjoy her company and admire her garden. It never mattered that Connie and Jan had to be reminded of their acquaintance, they were so delighted to see one another and spend time in the back yard. The grounds were immaculate and fragrant and offered a joyful experience to have and to anticipate. Our mothers were beautiful, physical and vibrant. They embraced, held hands and wished one another well until the next visit.
A mother's love is infinite and all encompassing. May you continue to feel her love even though she is no longer with us.