Dena (Shipp) Tartaglia

Dena Shipp Tartaglia, 89, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on March 28, 2022. Her love for God was evident in her life as faithful wife, loving mother, and devoted grandmother.

Dena was born on May 6, 1932, in Alex, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Paul Tartaglia, Jr., parents Drusilla Foster Shipp and Edgar Lee Shipp, sister Lila Garbarino, and brother Hartsel Shipp. Dena is survived by son Paul Edward Tartaglia and his wife, Jo Anne; daughter Suzanna Tartaglia Voss and her husband, Ed; grandchildren Alex Tartaglia; Sam Tartaglia; Price Voss and his wife, Sarah; Bonner Voss LaBarba and her husband, Alex; Havilland Voss; and great-grandchildren Louis LaBarba and Frances LaBarba.

After graduating from N.R. Crozier Technical High School in Dallas, Texas, Dena eventually entered a career as a flight attendant for Trans-Texas Airways and Trans World Airlines where she excelled in her God-given gifts of hospitality, empathy, and congeniality. She was based in San Francisco and then Chicago where she met and married Paul. Dena enjoyed reminiscing about her airline hostessing days and her travel adventures, but she found her calling and purpose in marriage and motherhood. After living briefly in Brooklyn, New York, and Sherman, Texas, she lived the remainder of her life in Carrollton and Farmers Branch, Texas.

Through the years, Dena selflessly served others by frequently opening her home to host both long term and short term guests. Various nieces and nephews pursuing university degrees or career moves, as well as Christian ministry workers, summer interns, missionaries, friends of her children, and out of town family members enjoyed her always spotless home, delicious meals, and encouraging conversation when she and Paul hosted them. She and Paul were committed to spiritual mentoring throughout their marriage. They unconditionally loved junior and senior high school students as chaperones in the Grace Bible Church youth group. Through Grace and also Northwest Bible, they hosted church small group Bible studies, sometimes with younger couples, providing a safe and nurturing place to learn about Jesus and to grow in faith. Dena loved tent camping and planned most of the family vacations in the great outdoors. She also introduced the grandchildren to camping and winsomely incorporated character building, nature study, and Bible learning into every adventure.

Dena had a creative side, too, and expressed it in various ways. With her beautiful singing voice, she often sang Broadway tunes or classic hymns while she worked around the house. She loved to sew everything from curtains and bedding to Qiana knit disco shirts, lace prom dresses, and practically every piece of clothing that she wore. She sewed for the grandchildren too and only retired from her beloved hobby in the last few years of her life as her health declined. Another creative gift that blessed many people was Dena’s scratch cooking skill. Dena mastered many of Paul’s favorite Italian heritage recipes, and she made every festive occasion special.

Dena leaves a legacy of faithful, fervent prayer and service to those who knew and loved her. Dena’s life will be celebrated at a private family burial service at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Northwest Bible Church Outreach Fund, 8505 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225.

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and His faithfulness is to all generations. Psalm 100:5