Constantina "Dena" Triantos Pattyn was born November 2, 1950, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to James Triantos and Angela Kravarites Triantos. She was raised and educated in Swatara Township, Harrisburg, PA. Dena enjoyed a wonderful childhood. As she grew older, she played sports and was an avid sports fan. Her mother encouraged her to invite friends to their home, which she did, resulting in a full house of school, church and local community members. Even though Dena moved away shortly after graduation to pursue a career in retail, she always found time to be reunited with old friends on return trips to Harrisburg.

Dena worked at McClain Matthews Insurance from 1996-2021. She treated everyone's policy as if they were family, finding the best fit for their individual needs. And when asked to play in a local golf tournament, she did not expect to meet her future husband, John Pattyn. The two were inseparable after that outing. Dena and John fell deeply in love after recognizing a shared fondness for golf, Myrtle Beach, family gatherings, trips to the casino, and especially the Indy 500 and all NASCAR races. Many friends and family would gather on their driveway after every local race to enjoy Dena's famous flank steak.

She was a loving parent, grandparent and aunt to more than 30 nieces and nephews, and was an excellent cook. (Sausage stars, anyone?) Dena was also proud of her Greek heritage, and often shared traditional dishes at gatherings. In addition to a new recipe, it was requested she make her carrot or chocolate cake.  And when gathering for the holidays, every family received 'Vasilopita', a sweet flavored bread to be shared on New Year's Day that blessed your home and brought good luck to the person who received the piece with a trinket inside. A small example of Dena sharing joy with others.

To Dena, family always came first. She spent every moment she could with John, as their love was the kind that lasts a lifetime. Once his health declined, Dena never left his side. When John passed in May 2011, she turned to family and friends for support. Within a few years, Dena purchased a travel trailer with a permanent lakeside view, which quickly became her new happy place.  It didn't take long for dozens of friendships to evolve. As we all know, Dena had a love for cooking, often bringing a new dinner or dessert to share with everyone. Dena shared her love through food. Anyone could see the joy on her face when someone tried the first bite of a new recipe.

That joy is what will stay with all of those who loved her the most. Dena had a heart of gold, with a smile to match. We hope you carry on her memory by laughing at a story, sharing her recipes, or watching a Steelers game with family and friends.

Dena is preceded in death by her father (James Triantos); mother (Angela Kravarites Triantos), sister (Vicki Triantos Strum); and husband (John Pattyn).  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of the Triantos family to the kitchen at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located at 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Visitation will be from 12 pm to 2 pm Fri. Jan 10 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with funeral services there at 2 pm.  Burial will be in West Ridge Park Cemetery.