Demetra "Dee" Gallanes entered into eternal life on December 26, 2019 peacefully surrounded by her family.

Dee was born on May 27, 1921 to George and Christina Gallanes in Peoria, Illinois. The family moved to San Bernardino in 1922 where her 3 younger siblings were born. Dee was preceded in death by her parents and all three of her siblings; Bessie, Anne, Harry, and niece Patricia West.

After moving to San Bernardino, the Gallanes family was one of the founding families of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Dee loved her church and was very active all of her life. Dee served on the Parish Council and was President for a few years. She was a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Dee received the "Spirit of Stewardship" award from the Metropolis of San Francisco. She was also the organist and member of the church choir for over 50 years. Her love for music took many forms. Dee was a member of the Bel Canto Chorale in San Bernardino and she also served on the city's Symphony Guild.

Dee's service to the church did not stop there; she was a very proud member of the local chapter of the Daughters of Penelope, Chapter Amphitrite #151 in San Bernardino, California. She also served as their District Governor for the 1991-1992 term. She had been a member of the Daughters of Penelope for 82 years. Dee was also an advisor to the local chapter of the Maids of Athena.

Dee served her family as well. When their father died suddenly in 1942, Dee went to work as a civilian employee for the Air Force at Norton AFB. She worked for the Air Force until she retired in 1989. One of the programs she worked on was the SR-71.

Dee is survived by her nephews George "Butch" (Jeanette), Michael, and Christopher (Alecia) Gallanes and her niece Kathy Salyer. Grand Nieces Penelope Gallanes, Stephanie (Charles) Rodriquez, Kathleen, Arianna and Alexa Gallanes and Grand Nephews Kyle and Garrett Salyer and Christopher, and Stephen West and many cousins and godchildren who love her dearly.

Trisagion service on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 7:00 PM. Funeral service on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Both services will be held at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 1035 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92402.

Interment at Mt. View Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Prophet Elias Building Fund in her name.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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