Obituary of Dena Maniotes Dejon Culbertson

Dena Maniotes Dejon Culbertson, age 78, died peacefully in her sleep of heart failure on September 02, 2017. Dena is survived by her son, Robert Culbertson (Nicole), and grandchildren Colby, Kenzie, and Pierce Culbertson. She is also survived by her sister, Helen Lekas, brother, Nick Maniotes, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Born in East Chicago, Indiana to Greek immigrants on October 4, 1938, Dena loved school, obtained a bachelor's degree at Roosevelt University, and migrated to California where she lived the rest of her life. Dena worked as a teacher, social worker, and employment counselor. She spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren and volunteered with the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church of Santa Cruz, California. Funeral Services have been scheduled to commemorate her life on September 12, 2017 at Santa Cruz Memorial Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA: Viewing from 5pm -7pm, Trisagion 7pm-8pm; Funeral Services on September 13, 2017 with a luncheon to follow at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 223 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA from 10am -1pm In lieu of flowers, donations to commemorate Dena's memory can be made in her name online to: Prophet Elias Greek Church Santa Cruz: Philoptochos Committee (community outreach and charity). Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Center: Rehabilitation of the injured and disabled.