Dena K. Kent

Dena K. Kent, 54, of Frederick County, Virginia, died peacefully Thursday, January 2, 2014, at Winchester Medical Center after a valiant fight with cancer.  She passed with her loving family and close friends at her side.

Dena was born in Richmond, the daughter of the late Elena Papazian.  She attended St. Gertrude’s Catholic High School and was President of the Class of 1977, marking the beginning of a long record of leadership.  A 1981 alumna of the University of Virginia, she was the first female Class President in UVA’s history.  She then earned her BS in Physical Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina and joined its clinical staff.  While a full-time PT, she earned her Master of Health Administration from MUSC.

Dena met her husband, Jim, who was a Naval Officer stationed in Charleston, SC.  They began their life together on July 5, 1986, with a wedding in Richmond that included a military honor guard.  She was his devoted wife for over twenty-seven wonderful years.   Dena was commended by the Commander, Submarine Force US Atlantic Fleet for her support of the Navy when Jim retired in 2004.

Dena and Jim’s children, Eleanor, and John were the light of her life.  Dena could always be found cheering on her kids as they led the James Wood Colonels to numerous triumphs in volleyball and football.  She was always the loudest and proudest mom in the stands, but their academic achievements made her prouder still.

Dena is also survived by her sister, Deborah Kilgore Inaba and niece Liza Inaba of Winchester, VA and niece Azusa Inaba of Chicago, IL, as well as brother-in-law, Steven Kent and wife, Becky, of Yardley, PA.

Dena was a proud twenty-one year employee of Valley Health System.  She began as the Director of Rehabilitation Services and opened the Winchester Rehabilitation Center.  She served VHS in numerous roles of increasing responsibility over the years.  Her crowning achievement was the state-of-the-art Valley Health Wellness and Fitness Center on the grounds of Winchester Medical Center. She retired as the President of Valley Regional Enterprises and Vice-President of Valley Health System.

Dena’s impact in our community cannot be understated.  She gave her passion and leadership to many organizations including the Powhatan School, The Frederick County Education Foundation, Our Health, Winchester Free Medical Clinic, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum which dedicated its newly renovated spaces in her honor.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 5:00-8:00 PM, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at noon on Saturday, Jan 11th at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Winchester VA.  Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Dena requested memorial contributions be made to Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, 54 South Loudoun Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601, Frederick County Education Foundation, 1415 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601 or the Winchester Medical Center Foundation, 1840 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601.