Dena Teseros Galanis
Our sweet and loving mom, Yia Yia, "Little Grandma" and Aunt Dee Dee, Dena Teseros Galanis, passed away peacefully in her home on August 31, 2015. She was surrounded by those who loved her and cared for her.
Dena fought a courageous battle with dementia and alzheimer's, but never lost her beautiful smile and sweet disposition. Even in the end she fought valiantly.
Dena was born April 12, 1930 to Nick and Georgia Teseros. She was the eldest of three children Toni (Chlepas) and Gus(Teseros), who have both preceded her in death.
Dena graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City, while often times holding three jobs to help support her family. After High School, she pursued a career as a secretary, working for the Fred A. Morton Company and later on as an administrative assistant for the Salt lake City Corporation. She retired from S.L.C. Corporation, and the Mayors office in 1996 after 25 years of service, to care for her ailing husband.
Dena was married to John Nick Galanis, October 2, 1955 in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Salt Lake City, Utah. They were married for 51 years and raised a beautiful family together. She was adored by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Dena was very dedicated to the Greek Church and her Greek community where she was an active member of its organizations. Dena loved being involved with her community and was always the life of the party! To know her was to love her! She cherished her relationships with friends and family.
Dena is survived by her children GiGi (Mark) Boryla, and John (Saundra Sargetakis) Galanis; five grandchildren Mark (Stephanie) Boryla, Christina (Steve) Redmond, Kelli Boryla, Jonathan (Kristin) Boryla and Johnnie Joseph Galanis; blessed with six great great grandchildren Lukas Boryla, Madelyn Boryla, Abigail Boryla, Dominick Redmond, Thomas Redmond and Zoe Rose Boryla. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
She is preceded in death by her Mother and Father, husband John, brother Gus, sister Toni, her son Nick T. Galanis and her great grandson Vincent George Boryla. What a glorious family reunion they are having now!
A memorial service will be held for Dena on Monday, September 7th 6:00 to 8:00 pm with a Trisaigon prayer service beginning at 7:00 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 12:00 pm at Holy Trinity, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dena's name to the Alzheimer's Association or Hellenic Cultural Center, 279 South 300 West Salt Lake City, Utah.
The family would like to thank Mom's Caregivers Carol, Yolanda, Mary Ann and Teresa for their years of compassion, love and patience with our mom. She had the most wonderful care that anyone could hope for!
Mom, your passing has left a gigantic hole in all of our lives! We will always miss you. Rest now in peace, sweet Mama and Yia Yia.