Dena C. Karigan

Edina - Karigan, Dena passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2025. She was born and raised in Athens, Greece and moved to the U.S. with her family after WWII. After graduating high school, she attended Patricia Stevens Finishing School where she became a fashion model, and later became an instructor. She was also employed by Harold's as a live model in their window displays on the Nicollet Mall. She was selected to be a Minneapolis Aquatennial Princess and also modeled alongside Liberace as he performed on stage. At a church dance, she met the love of her life, Jim, who asked her to marry him on the first date. They were married for 62 years, and together they joyfully raised their three children, Andrew, Pamela, and Nadine. Later, Dena went back to pursue her interest in fashion and leveraged her European style at Rodier and Gucci to become one of their top salespeople. Dena and her family loved to travel and saw much of the world together. She was also an accomplished tennis player and gourmet cook, who loved to entertain. Dena was an amazing grandmother. She was incredibly close to her four grandchildren and held a strong bond with each of them. They are forever grateful for the endless amount of love, care, and guidance she provided. It was so important to her that she had a strong influence in their lives. Dena had a full and happy life due to her deep faith, loving family, eternal optimism, and always finding the good in everything and everyone. She was sympathetic and kind - a friend to all. She will forever be remembered for her sharp mind, her wisdom, her sense of humor, her loving spirit, her generosity, her zest for life, and her strength. Preceded in death by her parents, Nickolas & Arta Sperides; her brother, Spiro; her husband, James, and their beloved son, Andrew. She is survived by her daughters, Pamela (Jerry) Nelson, and Nadine (Gary) Barber; grandchildren, Andrew & Nicolette Bodine, and James & Nicholas Nelson (fiancee Erin); and her wonderful caregiver and friend, Violet Anunciacion, along with many other friends and relatives. Visitation 5-7pm Monday, April 21 at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th Street, Edina. Funeral Service 11am Tuesday, April 22 at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN with a luncheon to follow. Memorials preferred to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church.

Tributes

Dena C. Karigan

January 13, 1931 - April 15, 2025

Tributes

Dena C. Karigan

January 13, 1931 - April 15, 2025

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