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Dana McWilliams Obituary
Dana May McWilliams, age 19, of Bethany, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Wellington, FL.
Dana, the youngest of three children, was born on September 19, 1998 in Derby, CT to Robin Diaz and David McWilliams Sr. She attended Seymour and Bethany schools and graduated from Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, CT in 2015 where she studied Horse Management.
Most recently, Dana was noticed by the equestrian trainer and show-jumper trainer Maarten Huygens, and was thrilled to move from Connecticut to South Florida to pursue her passion working with horses as a groom. She had spent her summers training on a farm near her former home in Bethany, CT. While relatively new to the field of show-jumping, she was recognized as quick to learn the ropes and earned a reputation for being a hard worker and a young woman with enormous potential due to her phenomenal work ethic and dedication to her work and to horses.
Dana truly lived life to the fullest through some of life's most simple pleasures: spending time with her loving family and friends, quadding, fishing, traveling, and doing almost anything that involved being outdoors and working with animals, especially her dog, Sophie. She loved music and had a particular affinity for the music of Phil Phillips, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin.
Dana's friends and family will remember her fondly as someone who inspired them with her honest love in all her relationships and her pure joy for life. Everyone she met recognized a beauty about her that was found both inside and out.
She is survived by her mother Robin Diaz and stepfather Jose Diaz of Bethany, David McWilliams Sr. of Ansonia, her sister Brittany Nebelsky of Bradenton, FL, and her brother David McWilliams Jr. and sister-in-law Jessica McWilliams of Singapore. Dana will live on forever in the hearts of all she touched.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Dana touched are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Seymour United Methodist Church at 90 Pearl Street, and will be followed by a fellowship luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue at 113 Chestnut Hill Road, East Hampton, CT 06424 in honor of Dana May McWilliams.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dana McWilliams
JoJo
November 25, 2023
I may have never met Dana but but the beautiful sole I I know she was by many & how she is looking over Dearhearts with her Guardian Angel wings, always remember & feel blessed knowing that. My heart always is with all that is in loss but glad to have been part of her life because I hear she was special. Many Blessings, Love, JoJo
Tracy Atkinson
November 25, 2023
Dane I think of you so often,You´re silliness and sense of humor are unforgettable. Your love of all animals especially horses came out in all your hardwork and caring for your special friends. All who knew you saw this.As your Aunt I´m saddened that your missing the milestones of your 1st nephew. I know you would´ve been the bested Aunt to this special little guy. He´s adorable and I know you would´ve gone all out in teaching and playing with him he´s got your energy. I miss you especially at this time of year when we would drive down Rt.8 with the windows open. You and I would only understand this but it brings smilesand laughter every time I think of it. I miss you kid and truly will not get over your loss. I prayit´s all what they say it is (heaven) Please look after us all And tell mom and grandma hi from us all. You all are missed there are no wooto describe how I feel. I LOVE YOU DANA-Forever
Joanne Baillargeon
November 25, 2022
A Guardian Angel forever looking over Loved ones & friends. Never forgotten, Always Remembered. Always saddened by your loss, but a smile with beautiful memories you touched many with & filled their hearts with, and they hold you dearly there, always have Dana. You touched many lives, again; wish I had pleasure meeting you, but glad I heard some fun stories that took place, and how you were such a free spirit, enjoyed life, and went after your dream with the horses, how beautiful. Please lighten sorrows & Guard, Guide, Protect, as I know you will with your beautiful set of Angel wings in Gates of Heaven. God Bless JoJo B
Joanne B
January 21, 2022
My heart goes out to family & friends, as I see hearts still ache. I wish I had pleasure to meet you Dana, but feel I know so much about you through your Dad. He speaks so beautifully about you. Guide & Protect always with your wings & please help ease their pain for those who hurt with the grief so deep. You were loved by many. I am sure you are riding free, enjoying the horses of your choice. We shall meet one day.
December 26, 2017
With deepest sympathies for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in the promise that it is only temporary, and one day soon, we will welcome back those we've missed so dearly.
Mark 5:38-42
Nancy Sheehan Shadler
December 2, 2017
so sorry about your death at such a young age. from Makala Clifford's Mother
December 1, 2017
So sorry for your loss. She was a great person and will be greatly missed.
Deborah Ball
December 1, 2017
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of sorrow. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
December 1, 2017
Brittany and family, Sorry for your loss, I will always remember that smile. My condolences to you and your family!
Cindy Burns
S. Dunson
December 1, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the love and support from family and friends comfort "your crushed heart and broken spirit" during this most devastating time.
Sam Hedrick
December 1, 2017
My heart is just broken for Dana and her family. I wish I could be there to share in your grief, but I can at least offer this.
"Even in our sleep,
pain which cannot forget falls,
drop by drop upon the heart,
until,
in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."
-Aeschylus
Debbie Mathews
December 1, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss.
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