Rebecca Shea was born to Frank and Sofia Triantos on December 2, 1929, in Trinidad, Colorado. Her father passed away when she was two months old. She was reared by her mother and step-father, John Peterson in Delta, Colorado, along with her sister and six brothers.
Rebecca graduated from Delta High School and earned business degrees from Barnes Business College in Denver as well as the University of Colorado, Boulder. For over 30 years her profession was banking and finance, earning the title of Senior Vice President – Cashier and Divisional Compliance Manager before retiring from Bank One.
Rebecca married Tom Shea on August 16, 1949, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Delta. To this union were born three treasured daughters, Teri, Karen, and Loretta. Tom and Rebecca were happily married for 64 years until Tom’s passing in 2013.
After retirement, they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, and became members of IHM Catholic Church, and were privileged to travel extensively, including four trips abroad. They especially enjoyed a 3-week tour of Ireland from Shannon to London, England visiting Tom’s relatives. Rebecca also toured Europe for 68 days with her sister-in-law, Betty Triantos. In 1975, Rebecca was fortunate to take her mother back to Greece, 50 years after she had arrived in the United States.
Rebecca’s passions were her family, good friends, and special neighbors; her pastimes included traveling, dancing, playing bridge, reading, water skiing, crosswords, calligraphy, oil painting, decorating, and ethnic cuisine.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather, and beloved grandfather, Nicholas Kaffengis, as well as brothers John, Nick, and George Triantos, Tony, Gus, and Pete Peterson.
She is survived by her daughters and their spouses; Teri Perchacz (Jerry), Karen Butler (Arnie), and Loretta Martens (Brian); six grandchildren Kori Satterfield (Doug), Kaley Batley (Jason), Eric Martens (Kristin), Brady Butler (Allie), Sarah Brittenham (Ben), and Audrey Butler; and eleven great-grandchildren, Shea and Bode Satterfield, Evie and Maggie Martens, Drake and Logan Batley, Colton and Tatum Brittenham, Zoe, Quinn, and Luke Butler, and Mr. Dog Butler.
Rebecca is also survived by her sister Angie Cholas, her children Toni Cholas Yother and Steve Cholas (Kelli), and their sons Alex (Olivia) and Nick (Jordan), and their son Kosta. She is further survived by her sister-in-law Virginia Shea, along with many other wonderful nieces and nephews.
Rebecca lived her life with dignity and an incredible work ethic. She was well respected in the business community, a trail blazer in many areas of life, and a profound influence on the lives of many. Services will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Delta Saturday, August 17th, 2024 at 10:00 am. Inurnment following at Delta City Cemetery. Gathering to follow.
