Dena Kitsos

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the falling asleep in the Lord of Konstantina “Dena” Kitsos, our beloved Matriarch, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, relative and friend to many. She passed peacefully and unexpectedly in her home on December 2nd at the age of 88. Born on February 2, 1936 in Pikerni, Greece to Alexandros and Stamo Andrianakos (Andrew). She was the eldest of five siblings who predeceased her, Tom, Ted, Mary (Chachas) and George Andrew. Survived by her three children; Bill (Christina), Demitra, and Alexandra, seven grandchildren; Georgia, Constance (Constantine), Evan (Danielle), Nicole (Demetris), Teddy, Peter, Costa and six great grandchildren; Demi, Yianni, Niko, Vasili, Chrystalla, Valantis and many nieces and nephews. In 1954 when she was 18, she and her family immigrated to the “Land of Opportunity” to join her father who was already in Denver. She enrolled in Emily Griffith Opportunity School to learn a trade. There she learned how to sew and became an excellent seamstress. In addition, she worked at Samsonite Luggage on an assembly line doing piecework for 5 years. She told of stories when her boss would come to check on her work and would time her with a very large watch on his wrist. She was so afraid that she would lose her job, that she worked even faster and harder. This may explain why she did everything very quickly. 

 She met the man that would become her husband of 39 years, Angelos, in Worcester, MA, while visiting her Uncle for Thanksgiving. They married in Denver on April 27, 1958 and together they embarked on their journey of love, family and created a beautiful legacy. Dena was larger than life, hardworking and dedicated to her family and church. She was always the life of the party with her witty, charismatic jokes and comments, endless stories and love of entertainment. She was known for her delicious cooking, pastries and hospitality. Everything was delicious because it was prepared with her spirit of love. She was a fashionista who loved wearing hats - Classy and Sassy! As a member of Philoptochos and avid participant in the church community she looked forward with great zeal in helping with Greek Festival preparations. She was known for always keeping the ladies laughing during baking days. Her zest for life was dynamic and full of relentless energy. She let nothing get in her way or slow her down! She was also known by many affectionate nicknames such as YD, FOMO, and DENA-ME (Δύναμη) which means strength. She was the community grandmother and her greatest joy was to be referred to as YD (Yiayia Dena). For nearly 20 years, GOYA basketball tournaments were a highlight for her to enjoy the competition of the youth and especially cheer on her grandchildren. 

Although she lived in the USA, she enjoyed revisiting her humble birthplace in Greece and always kept in touch with her fellow villagers and relatives. Her faithful life culminated in her most recent trip to Greece in September, where she was able to visit numerous monasteries and churches, a lifelong dream of hers. To complete this trip, she attended a village reunion in Pikerni where she sang and danced to her heart’s content. What a beautiful life she led! YD was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She was “one of a kind”, and left us a with a wonderful legacy to emulate. She will truly be missed by many! May her memory be eternal.

Trisagion and Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:00 am, Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 East Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO, officiated by Reverend Father Jordan Brown.

Interment to follow at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec Street. Following the Graveside service a Makaria will take place in the Cathedral Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral or the Ladies Philoptochos Society.

For those who are not able to attend the services in person, please use the following link to view the funeral service via livestream. Funeral Service Livestream for Dena Kitsos