10/18/2026
In Loving Memory of Konstantina ‘Dena’ Mannos
A Life of Grace and Devotion
Dena passed away peacefully in her home at the remarkable age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to her family, her faith and her community. Born and raised in Indianapolis, she was a woman of extraordinary strength, wisdom and compassion. After losing her father at the age of eight, she grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and resilience. While studying at Butler University, she made the selfless decision to leave college and work in a wartime conversion factory, proudly supporting the war effort while helping provide for her family at home.
Marriage, Family and Faith
As the war came to an end, Dena’s brother introduced her to a close Army friend, Nick. The two fell in love and married in February 1947, beginning a beautiful life partnership. Together they raised a family of four children: Tim, Denise, Pete and Suzanne. Dena’s work ethic and commitment were tireless. With her soft smile and way of few words, she earned the respect of administrators, staff and students during more than 35 years of dedicated service to the local school district. She and Nick, along with four other parish families were instrumental in organizing and founding the Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview. Beginning in 1958, these families petitioned for and received their charter from the archdiocese in 1960. Over the next four years they organized events and fundraisers while services were held in a local elementary school, until the first liturgy was celebrated in the new church in 1964. Dena also served for many years as president and member of the church’s philanthropic Philoptochos Society.
Family at the Center
Above all else, Dena lived for her family. Whether she was masterfully sewing clothing, preparing delicious meals, or keeping a warm and welcoming home after a full day at work, she poured her whole heart into everything she did. She was the family’s anchor and cheerleader, enthusiastically supporting every game, performance, graduation, and milestone in the lives of her children and grandchildren. A gifted seamstress, Dena lovingly made her daughters’ bridesmaid dresses, wedding favors, stage costumes, and Halloween costumes. Many of these treasured pieces continue to be used today as dress-up clothes by her great-grandchildren
Adventure, Resilience and Joy
Dena’s passion for travel & education took her beyond the continental United States, and her greatest joy was bringing her family along for the journey. Across three generations, those shared adventures became cherished memories. After years of cheering family runners from the sidelines, Dena participated in three Nashville 5K marathon events. Undeterred by blindness, and already in her 90s, she inspired crowds as she strode toward the finish line. During her third appearance, at age 95, she was interviewed mid-race and asked, “What is your secret?” Her answer was simple and unforgettable: “Smile and keep moving.”
An Enduring Legacy
Dena’s boundless energy, loyalty, and warmth touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her family remains forever inspired by her strength, creativity & perseverance and is wrapped in the enduring love she shared so generously.
Dena is survived by her sister; her four children and their spouses; eight grandchildren; four grandchildren-in-law; and fourteen great grandchildren. She is affectionally remembered, and may she now find comfort with those who have passed before her, especially her loving husband, Nick.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dena’s memory may be made to any of the following organizations:
• Muscular Dystrophy Association: www.mda.org
• American Society for Deaf Children: https://deafchildren.org/
• Graphite Arts Center: https://graphiteartscenter.org/
• Saints Peter & Paul Philoptochos Society: www.sspp-philo.org
Visitation will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Rd., Glenview, IL from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m.
Interment will be private.
Arrangments by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095
https://memoryeternalfunerals.funeraltechonline.com/obituaries/Konstantina-Mannos?obId=49838523
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