Dalen Michaeleen Orphanos
June 24, 1949 — February 13, 2025
Heaven welcomed a new angel on February 13, 2025, as Dalen Michaeleen Orphanos, age 75, of Hoover, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Dalen was a woman of warmth, creativity, and boundless love. She had a rare gift for sparking the imagination of her children, filling their lives with wonder, encouragement, and the magic of possibility. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support shaped the lives of those around her, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and deep familial devotion.
The love of her life was George Andrew Orphanos. Together, they faced life’s triumphs and challenges with unwavering determination, always standing by each other’s side. No matter what life brought their way, they met it together, bound by a deep and enduring love.
Throughout her life, Dalen pursued a variety of passions and professions. She worked as a special investigations officer in New Orleans, contributed her artistic talents as a stained glass artist, assisting in the restoration of Brother Bryan Church, and managed Andy's Motel alongside George. However, her most cherished role was creating a home filled with love, beauty, and warmth.
Dalen is survived by her devoted and loving husband, George Andrew Orphanos; daughters Melissa (Jean-Philippe), Melanie, and Maria (Matthew); sons Raymond and Michael; her devoted sister Jamie and sister of the heart Victoria; brothers Grover and Jason; and grandchildren Emilee, Alexa (Michael), Lorenzo (Heather), Zach (Rhiannon), David, Sam (Liz), Tristan (Anastasia), Sintrez, Lola, and Remi. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Tamarra, Luke, Finn, Atticus, Eleanor, Sophie, and little Juniper, who arrived as her Mimi departed. Just weeks before her passing, Dalen received the joyful news that she would soon become a great-great-grandmother—a moment that filled her heart with happiness.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Helen Friedel; her beloved son Andrew George; her brother Thomas; her parents-in-law Andrew and Agape Orphanos; and her dear Aunts Olympia and Helen, along with her cousin Georgia.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until service time.
Though she has departed this world, the love she gave so freely will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, watching over them with the same warmth and care she gave so selflessly in life.
Any flowers delivered to the funeral home must be received no later than Monday afternoon. Flowers may also be delivered to the church Tuesday morning.
Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home is honored to serve the Orphanos family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com
Dalen was a woman of warmth, creativity, and boundless love. She had a rare gift for sparking the imagination of her children, filling their lives with wonder, encouragement, and the magic of possibility. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support shaped the lives of those around her, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and deep familial devotion.
The love of her life was George Andrew Orphanos. Together, they faced life’s triumphs and challenges with unwavering determination, always standing by each other’s side. No matter what life brought their way, they met it together, bound by a deep and enduring love.
Throughout her life, Dalen pursued a variety of passions and professions. She worked as a special investigations officer in New Orleans, contributed her artistic talents as a stained glass artist, assisting in the restoration of Brother Bryan Church, and managed Andy's Motel alongside George. However, her most cherished role was creating a home filled with love, beauty, and warmth.
Dalen is survived by her devoted and loving husband, George Andrew Orphanos; daughters Melissa (Jean-Philippe), Melanie, and Maria (Matthew); sons Raymond and Michael; her devoted sister Jamie and sister of the heart Victoria; brothers Grover and Jason; and grandchildren Emilee, Alexa (Michael), Lorenzo (Heather), Zach (Rhiannon), David, Sam (Liz), Tristan (Anastasia), Sintrez, Lola, and Remi. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Tamarra, Luke, Finn, Atticus, Eleanor, Sophie, and little Juniper, who arrived as her Mimi departed. Just weeks before her passing, Dalen received the joyful news that she would soon become a great-great-grandmother—a moment that filled her heart with happiness.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Helen Friedel; her beloved son Andrew George; her brother Thomas; her parents-in-law Andrew and Agape Orphanos; and her dear Aunts Olympia and Helen, along with her cousin Georgia.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until service time.
Though she has departed this world, the love she gave so freely will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, watching over them with the same warmth and care she gave so selflessly in life.
Any flowers delivered to the funeral home must be received no later than Monday afternoon. Flowers may also be delivered to the church Tuesday morning.
Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home is honored to serve the Orphanos family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com
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