Dena G. Peponis Karbo-Mourgos

Dena George Peponis Karbo-Mourgos, died peacefully last week, surrounded by her family. She was the loving daughter of George Vasilios and Fotini of Levidi Arcadia, Greece. Devoted sister of the late Joan (Lloyd), and brother Basil (Anna Marie). Loving mother of cherished children Julie Anne (the late Dean), Felicia (Ivelin), and Mark (Elizabeth). Treasured beyond words and into infinity by her grandchildren Anjelica, Emma, Stephanie, David and Stefan. Dedicated wife of over 20 years to George, with whom she shared a fur child, Lucy. Stepfamily to Dan, Jane, and Matthew, and Eliza and Dave. Godmother to Patsy. Remembered by loving cousins in the Bournazos, Kireopoulos, Kiramis, Peponis and Tsoukas families, as well as relatives in both Greece and Mexico too numerous to mention. She was a graduate of Mission High School in San Francisco. An active member of her church and community, Dena was the past president of the Hellenic American Professional Society, Holy Cross Philoptochos, the Arcadian Society, and a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont for over 55 years, where she served on the parish council. She was a former member of the Viking Ski Club and was a longtime and ardent fan of the Giants, 49ers, Warriors, and Stanford Women's basketball. Throughout her life Dena epitomized kindness and selflessness. Born into the close-knit Greek family and community in the Mission and SoMa districts of San Francisco, she was raised to believe that family always came first. She lived an active life, attending festivals, club meetings, and dances where she made lifelong friends. It was there in the bustling immigrant home of her parents where her love of Greek history and culture were born. When she was in her twenties, she did the unthinkable -- she decided to assert her independence and move to Los Angeles. Shortly after her arrival, she met the charming and handsome Dave. They were soon married and started their family in San Francisco. Shortly thereafter they moved to San Bruno, then Los Angeles to soothe a homesick Dave. Nine years later, Dena brought her children back to the Bay Area to restart their lives following a divorce. She struggled during a time when landlords, employers and many others looked down on divorced women. It was during that time that her roots in feminism and a strong belief in fairness for the victims of prejudice were born. She persevered, and with the help of her parents, came to own her own home in Redwood City. She never boasted about her accomplishments, but completed her bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences at Notre Dame de Namur, and earned her teaching credential, all while raising three young children alone and working full-time. She loved teaching, but after a job shortage, made a career change to real estate where her combination of hard work, talent, integrity, and charisma helped her thrive. But success to Dena was defined by her love for her family, and the commitment to raising her children with unconditional love, respect, and the desire to do what is right. As her grandchildren were born, she taught these principles to them as well, and they basked in the absolute devotion of their YiaYia. Over the course of her life, Dena also opened her home and heart to other children who grew to regard her as a second mother. Later in life, Dena and her husband George re-discovered each other. They married and they lived happily until Dena's death. In addition to her family, Dena's passions were her love of God and church, her pride in her Greek heritage, gardening (she revived many of her family's dying plants), traveling around the world, spending time with George on cruises and watching westerns, and cooking phenomenal Greek food. Dena was also a fascinating storyteller, imparting moral lessons and history through her tales. She was a dear and loyal friend to many, always making those in her life feel special. A Trisigion service will be held Thursday, August 5th at 8 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda, Belmont. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 6th at 11 a.m. also at Holy Cross Church. Attendees are invited to a Makaria immediately following the service. Burial will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Colma at 2:30 p.m. Donations can made to the charity of your choice or to Holy Cross Church Philoptochos or Castro Valley Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church Capital Campaign.