Despina Trivelas

Despina R. Trivelas, 97, of Overland Park, Kansas, wife of Father Nicholas C. Trivelas entered into eternal rest Saturday, November 5, 2022. Her Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2022, in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00. Interment will be immediately following the service at, Live Oak Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Despina was born January 10, 1925, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, daughter of Christos Nicholas Ross and Fotini Kassos Ross of Pentalofos, Greece.  She was loved and cherished by her family.  Her love of cooking was passed down to her children and grandchildren.  Being in the kitchen with Yiayia (grandmother) was an event, and there is no greater compliment in the Trivelas Family than to say that something “tastes like Yiayia’s” or someone’s home “smells like Yiayia’s”. Yiayia was called when advice was needed and her opinion sought on final efforts.

Despina’s warm hospitality was legendary.  Every Sunday was a holiday in the Trivelas home with guests around the dinner table who were newcomers that Fr. Nick would bring home after the Liturgy.  Many lifelong friendships were formed around Despina’s table where there was always an abundance of delicious food, lively conversation, and always, always joy and laughter.

Despina was an active member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society at Holy Trinity.  With her love of cooking, she was founding editor of the cookbook "Popular Greek Recipes" compiled by the Philoptochos Ladies in 1957.  She was honored 60 years later in 2017 when the ladies dedicated the 60th anniversary edition to her. 

She is survived by her four children; Carrie Trivelas Michale, Chris (Diane) Trivelas, Faye Trivelas (Larry) Zoeller, Nick (Peggy) Trivelas; her beloved grandchildren: Justin (Luisa) Zoeller, Megan (Brandon) Jensen, Mark (Caroline) Trivelas, Nicholas and Alexandra Trivelas; her precious great-granchildren; Conner and Braden Jensen, Ellea and Holden Trivelas, and Leon Zoeller; and her beloved Michale extended family.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Nicholas Christ Trivelas, her son-in-law George Nick Michale, and her brother Nicholas Christos Ross.

Memorials may be made to the Reverend Nicholas C. Trivelas Library in care of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.