Obituary of Connie Dena Matthews

Connie was born October 1, 1930 to her parents Theodore and Angeline Birbilis who were Greek immigrants from Peloponnese, Greece and founders of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was baptized by her Godparents, Gus and Eleni Andrews and given the name Costadena. Connie grew up in a Greek neighborhood and her family spoke only Greek in the home. She went by the name Dena as a child and learned English on her own in kindergarten. Little Dena attended Greek School at church after her day at Riverside Elementary. She credits her Greek School teacher, Mrs. Argentos and headmaster, Father Tzoumanis for excellent teaching and instilling respect and order to their students. Connie was very active in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church since her youth. She participated in the choir, Greek Independence Day, Parish Council, Festival baking and accounting, and held the position of Treasurer for the Philoptochos and Megali Ellas. Connie honors her parents for their church guidance and encouragement to pursue her college education. She attended the University of Oklahoma graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Mathematics. Connie worked as a math instructor for University of Oklahoma as a graduate student. She then secured a position at Edison High School teaching Honors Math. When a new high school opened in Tulsa, Connie was asked to Head the Math Department at Memorial High School. While at Memorial, she was the Senior Class Sponsor and her students credited her for their future success due to her excellent teaching and passion for mathematics. In 1969, she was hired as the only woman computer programmer for Amoco Oil Company. Twenty-five years later, she retired as a Systems Analyst and Project Manager. In all her accomplishments, Connie’s greatest reward was her children and grandchildren continuing the family legacy of obtaining a college education. She raised her two children, Tom Matthews and Katie (Matthews) Phillips and instilled within them an incredible work ethic and desire to succeed. Connie was a very involved Yiayia (grandmother) with all six of her grandsons. She played games, volunteered at their schools, cooked and baked Greek food and enjoyed each of them as an individual. She was the best Yiayia ever! In her retirement at Montereau, Connie enjoyed art projects, playing Skip-Bo, Rummikub and Bridge as she was a life-long Bridge Master. Connie was loved by all the residence and staff there as well as all the friends she made over the years. She will be remembered for her bright smile, giving heart and her deep love for her family. Connie is predeceased by her mother and father and her brother Tom Birbilis. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Henson and Joan Yeck; her daughter, Katie Phillips and grandsons, Matthew, Max, and Frank Phillips; her son, Tom Matthews and daughter-in-law Eva Matthews and grandsons, Cameron, Tommy, and Michael Matthews, and two great granddaughters Fiona and Charlotte. Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, May 16 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the church.