Simone Asimo Arakelian

Simone (Krokidas) Arakelian, 83, affectionately known as "Yiayia" to many, was the sweetest and most thoughtful woman, and beloved wife of Gabriel "Gabe" Arakelian of Enfield. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, less than two weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Born in Springfield, MA, on December 8, 1942, Simone was the daughter of the late John Peter and Catherine "Kay" Krokidas. She graduated from Classical High School in Springfield in 1960, where she served as president of Model Congress and participated in the debate and bowling teams. Always eager for adventure, Simone chose Oklahoma College for Women (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma) in Chickasha, OK, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1964.

Motivated to help others in any way she could, Simone was actively involved in GOYA and the Philoptochos Ladies Society at St. George's Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield, MA. She taught at Fausey and William N. DeBerry Elementary Schools in West Springfield, MA, where she was an early trailblazer in education and recognized as Massachusetts' first female ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher.

In 1965, Simone met the love of her life, soulmate, and lifelong partner, Gabe. Their love story began at a dance at St. Gregory Armenian church, which Simone attended with her close friend, Gloria D'Angelo. Gabe was immediately drawn to Simone's beautiful eyes. They fell in love and married soon after, on the eve of Christmas in 1966. Simone was a homemaker, dedicating her days to raising her children, teaching them the importance of having a strong work ethic, to always strive to be a "better" person, be fair, honest, and love unconditionally. Simone, a "City Girl," was introduced to the great outdoors by Gabe, and soon after, camping became a cherished summer tradition. For many summers, they packed up the kids and drove their camper to Hammonasset Beach State Park to spend the summer months, unless of course there was a picnic at Camp Haiastan in Franklin, MA, that couldn't be missed. Many priceless memories and lifelong lessons were shared, shaping the kids into who they are today. Simone and Gabe could often be seen on the beach, walking along the shoreline, searching for beautiful seashells, having cookouts on the grill, and watching the sunset together, of course, with the kids very close by, even as adults. Their love for each other knew no bounds and set the gold standard for their children and for many others who witnessed it.

Simone joined St. Gregory Armenian Church in Indian Orchard, MA, where she was actively involved in the Ladies Guild and took Armenian language classes, and she was also fluent in Greek. With Gabe's passion for real estate, Simone became an award-winning realtor with George & Greene Real Estate Agency and Re-MAX Teamwork Realty. Her passion was helping first-time homebuyers. She loved assisting families in finding and settling into their first and second homes, which led her to become a Real Estate Broker and launch her own company, LeapFrog Realty Group. As she approached retirement, she was widely respected in her industry and highly sought after as an expert, often mentoring junior agents as they "learned the ropes."

A wise woman of deep and abiding faith, Simone started each day with prayers to God and ended each night the same way. Her greatest happiness came from her family, and she took immense pride in her roles as a wife, grandmother, and matriarch. She created a home built on love and tradition and was the heart of the household, steadfast, nurturing, and endlessly selfless. She instilled the importance of family unity and sticking together. In her later years, to her granddaughters and everyone who knew her, she was simply Yiayia: warm, supportive, full of love, and always offering the best advice.

Simone was her granddaughters' biggest supporter, attending living-room talent shows, school events, and cheering them on as they tried new experiences. They could always count on her to answer the phone, talk through an "urgent" situation, and dance with them! She reminded them and her whole family to be thoughtful, to love each other, to laugh, to remain strong even during tough times, and, most importantly, to keep life simple.

Simone was known for her witty humor, infectious laughter, patience, and quiet acts of kindness, whether through handwritten letters, words of encouragement, or lengthy voicemails filled with cheerful music to lift your spirits. It was typical for Simone, when leaving a voicemail, to talk all the way until the beep, then call back to continue leaving her message. She always had the perfect piece of advice and spoke softly but with great strength.

She encouraged her family to ask questions, speak up, and strive to improve, while also reminding them to savor the moment (perhaps a reason she was often fashionably late). To everyone she interacted with throughout her life, from cashiers at the grocery store to office assistants at the doctor's office, she always found a way to connect and make people feel important. Her endless supply of chocolate, love of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, exciting shopping trips, getting her hair and nails done (with her signature color pink) with her sister, niece, daughter, and granddaughters, along with cherished 10 p.m. chats on the front porch or kitchen table, remain lasting memories. Simone was a constant source of strength, humility, laughter, love, guidance, and a joy to all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Simone was predeceased by her beloved brother, Dr. Peter Krokidas, in 1995; and her brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Arakelian, also in 1995.

She also leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Charles Garo Arakelian; her daughter, Seta (Arakelian) Marangoudakis and her husband Peter, and their children, Sophia and Melina; her sister, Attorney Maria J. Krokidas Bullen and her husband, Bruce Bullen; her sister-in-law, Sonia Arakelian; many nieces and nephews, including Alexandra Bullen Coutts, Christine Sarkeesian, George Bullen, Haig Arakelian, John Bullen, John Krokidas, and Stephanie Krokidas; as well as other relatives and friends.

Simone "Asimo," Mom, "Yiayia, "Yinnie" is loved beyond words, and her legacy lives on. May her memory be eternal.

Her family will receive friends on Thursday, February 5, 4-7 p.m., at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor. Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 6, 11 a.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave., Hartford.

Burial will follow in the Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Simone's memory to Camp Haiastan, P.O. Box C, Franklin, MA 02038.

Camp Haiastan is the first and oldest Armenian summer camp in the United States, focusing on culture, heritage, and lifelong friendships.