Tena C. Tarachas

Tena C. Tarachas
Saginaw, Michigan
Passed away unexpectantly on Sunday March 28th 2021. She was born to Greek immigrants Christ and Pauline Vlangos in Detroit, Michigan on July 15, 1943. She was a graduate of Mumford High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beautiful sister Dolly Kapas and her twin brother Peter Vlangos. She is survived by her sister, Beatrice Simon.
On October 1st, 1967 Tena married Achilles J. Tarachas and a fifty three year marriage of unconditional love began. The family was blessed with two daughters Georgea (Dennis) Shikar of Watchung, NJ and Paula (Blake) Kenny of Rochester, MI. The light of Tena’s life were her five beautiful granddaughters Kaysen, Tia, Kelly, Ailey and Kristiana. She adored her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, God children, other relatives and her lifelong friends.
Tena was proud of her Greek heritage. She was an active member of St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a member of various community and volunteer groups.
Everyone who knew Tena knew she was truly one of a kind. She turned ordinary days into treasured memories. If you were ever in need, Tena was there. She would offer sincere kind words, bring a special beautifully wrapped gift, bring endless amounts of delicious food, and follow up with countless phone calls. Tena was the consummate hostess and loved entertaining. Her ability to bring magic to the holidays was truly a gift. She loved cooking, baking and decorating beautiful cakes. Tena’s dedication to her family, her faith and others was like no other. Her greatest joy was spending time with her daughters and granddaughters at their cottage on Lake Leelanau. She was known as “Yiayia” and every night her granddaughters would wish her a “good night” via a group text, because they wanted to say goodnight to their special person. She was the absolute best wife, mother, and Yiayia. She made every person feel special, valued and loved and touched the lives of many.
The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4970 Mackinaw Rd. Saginaw. Rev. Timothy Cook will officiate with entombment in Oakwood Mausoleum. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ordinance, indoor capacity at the funeral home is limited to 25 persons, face coverings are required, and social distancing encouraged. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to reduce the spread of covid-19 in our community. Friends may call at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. from 4-8 p.m. Friday where a Trisagion service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call at the Church (capacity 80 persons) from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of the funeral service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. www.casefuneralhome.com