Constance Kratky

Connie (Constance) Marie Marianes Kratky

The world lost one of the strongest women and an indefatigable member of the Marianes and Kratky families. Connie (Marianes) Kratky overcame great adversity with dignity, grace, and courage. From a lifetime of polio, a near-fatal car accident, post-polio syndrome (post-poliomyelitis), and countless other afflictions that would have defeated any normal human, absolutely nothing could impede our beloved energizer bunny.

The one word missing from Connie's massive vocabulary was "quit." Her contagious enthusiasm and loving heart were her currency, and her sheer strength of will and character were her superpowers. Connie was the consummate servant leader and purveyor of unconditional love, as proven by how she embraced her nieces as if they were her own children and how lovingly she served all special education students she taught.

Notwithstanding her many physical challenges, she taught everyone that there was no such thing as disabled, just differently abled. This led Connie to teach and run the special education programs in Clark County, Nevada, and elsewhere during an amazing career as an educator. Her love for those with challenges was unparalleled.

Connie was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1951. She graduated with a B.S.Ed. in Special Education from Indiana University and an M.S. in Education from Purdue University. Connie was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church and served as organist for St. George Greek Orthodox Church in East Chicago, Indiana. She also was a concert pianist who studied at the American Conservatory of Music.

Connie was the first in her immediate family to graduate from college and graduate school and was a role model for everyone who pursued academic excellence. No one could match her spirit. Her absence now dims the world. However, this earthly angel now returns to her heavenly angel status as she joins her parents and grandparents in the kingdom eternal.

Given her lifetime of self-sacrifice for others with unending courage without complaint, there is absolutely no doubt she has earned "a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ" (II Corinthians 5:10).

As her family and friends grieve greatly, we take solace in knowing she can say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Indeed, Connie fought the good fight and now can rest for the first time in her blessed and most incredible life well lived. May her memory be eternal!

Connie is survived by her husband of 47 years, Frank Kratky of Las Vegas, Nevada; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill (Audrey May) Marianes of Gainesville, Georgia; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law David (Sue Hurley) Kratky of Kendall, Wisconsin; her niece, Dr. Alexis Marianes (Kevon Kadoo) of Brasso Seco, Trinidad, and her niece Eliana Marianes of Tucker, Georgia. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, William C. and Bess (Vambakas) Marianes.

Instead of flowers, tax-deductible donations can be made to the Connie Kratky Scholarship at AHEPA #1 Education Foundation c/o Bill Aicklen, 4580 Chardonnay Court, Dunwoody, GA 30338-5516.