Dena Kentes

Constantina (Dena), Pantelis-Kentes, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 92.
Dena was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 24, 1933, to John and Eleftheria Pantelis. She graduated from Hirsch High School in 1950 and continued her education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from Chicago Teachers College.
On May 1, 1960, Dena married the love of her life, Milton Kentes. They shared 58 wonderful years of marriage until Milton's passing in 2018. Together, they built a Christian home, dedicating their time to their family, church community, as well as their professions.
Dena taught elementary school in St. Louis, Missouri before moving to Palos Heights, Illinois where she continued teaching fifth and sixth grades for the Palos Heights School District #128, until her retirement with 34 years of service. She was an inspiration to generations of students because of her zeal for learning and her command of the classroom.
A lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Dena was deeply rooted in her faith. She was active in both Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester, Illinois and after relocating to Dallas in 2016, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, Texas. She sang soprano in both church choirs and was a loyal member of the St. Barbara's Philoptochos Society, where she enthusiastically participated in projects for those in need.
Dena loved nature and especially enjoyed bird watching and even took bird-watching excursions with Milton. She could identify any bird she saw! She also had a passion for all types of dance, especially ballet and square dancing. Above all, Dena cherished time with her family-- her greatest joy in life.
She is survived by her daughters Joanna Spahis (Mike), Cristina Pashos, and grandchildren Anna Constantina Pashos, Stephanie Harakas (Panos), and Christopher Spahis (Callie), as well as one beloved great-granddaughter, Eleftheria. Dena also has one surviving sister, Jane Fotopoulos, and blessed with many nieces and nephews who treasure her.
A Trisagion service will be held Monday, August 4, at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. Funeral services will take place at the church on Tuesday, August 5, at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Restland Cemetery in the Orthodox section.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the St. Barbara's Philoptochos Society at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or to the Sierra Club, in honor of Dena's commitment to service and her love for nature. Links to these can be found below.
May her memory be eternal.