Dana Angela Gwinn

DANA ANGELA GWINN
March 16, 1963 ˜ August 24, 2023
Choose happiness and smile.

Dana Angela Gwinn was a bright light in this world. She was an example and a reminder for us all to find the best in people, have hope, appreciate the beauty in the world and in people, love completely, choose happiness, and remember to smile at every opportunity.
Dana always looked out for “her people,” but the pool of people that this term encompassed only grew throughout her lifetime. Friendships and lasting relationships are valuable, and no one knew that better than Dana. She realized that relationships are not only to be treasured but tended to. Dana was always one to acknowledge an accomplishment, appreciate kindness, celebrate a milestone, or provide support during challenges. It is no surprise that she has maintained deep friendships that span decades, has co-workers who’ve become like family, and made new acquaintances that feel like they’ve known her for years. If you counted her as a friend, you could count on Dana to “show up” for you, no matter how long you’d known her.
Dana excelled in her professional life because she chose a career perfectly suited to her greatest strengths. Dana was a leader in the hotel hospitality industry, where she would create an environment in which employees and guests alike felt a generous welcome and meticulous attention to detail. She was the ultimate hostess and led by example how to make sure everyone felt important and valued. Dana loved the career she had built, but when her mother became ill and needed care, Dana did not hesitate to step away. She left her work in the hotel industry to take on a caregiving role, not out of obligation, but out of love.
Dana’s greatest joy was her family. Dana counted her marriage to Kelly, and their boys, Justin and Jacob, as her life’s most treasured blessings and adventures. Dana was a nurturer who made sure her family laughed often, supported each other, and encouraged one another. She was the mom who paid attention to the details, planned the best events, treated all the friends like welcomed guests, made sure homework was done, and thank you cards were written. Whether it was a big trip on the calendar or a Tuesday night meal at home, she was happiest doing it with her family. As a family they lived life to the fullest, they experienced it all together. After losing her beloved Kelly, Dana drew upon an incredible inner well of strength to ensure that her boys would know the love of family that she and Kelly had built would be with them forever.
Life is to be lived completely and Dana knew and embraced that. Through all of life’s ups and downs, Dana and her sister, Amy, were an inseparable pair who shared an intensely deep and loving bond. Dana was fortunate to find love with Dave Patterson and through their shared special times together, created a beautiful home, and gained many wonderful friends. She was overjoyed when Justin married Katie and they blessed her with a granddaughter, Frannie. When Dana became a Nana to Frannie, there was an incredible explosion of love and happiness.
Dana loved to plan for the future while still being able to enjoy the present, and there was always a vacation on the calendar or an event to look forward to. She adored time spent with family and friends on vacations to Hawaii, Sunriver, Wine Country, Disneyland, National Parks, and our beloved Lake Chelan. Later in life, she found that she loved to travel abroad and had many plans to see more of the world. She encouraged us all to get out there and see the beauty that surrounds us.
Dana was guided in life by her parents, mother and stepfather, Marilyn and Dick Hannah, and her father and stepmother, Lyle and Mary Jacobsen. She was raised in Vancouver, WA, and graduated from Fort Vancouver High School. Dana will be forever missed and loved by her sister, Amy (Bob) Mesick. She is the beloved stepsister of Jason (Maggie) Hannah and Jennifer (Jeff) Dougherty. She was dearly loved by Dave Patterson. Dana is also the much loved, picture taking, and event planning auntie of her nephews and nieces. Her legacy will continue to live on in her family, Jacob, Justin (Katie), and Frannie Gwinn.
Dana lived her life always looking for and sharing beauty, kindness, gratitude, and love. It is no surprise that her life was filled with all these things. Thank you to all who have shared your beautiful stories and photos with us, it has brought us great joy and comfort.
If you would like to honor Dana’s life, please consider a donation to Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, or to the reconstruction of Lahaina through the Maui Strong Fund-Hawaii Community Foundation.
Please join our family in a joyous celebration of Dana’s life at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. Smiles and laughter will be present. Reception to follow the service.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits