Dana Marie Schembri

Dana Marie Schembri
Born: September 18, 1981, Royal Oak, Michigan
In the Arms of Angels: June 5, 2025, Estero, Florida
It is with broken hearts and excruciating pain that we share the news of the sudden passing of our beloved Daughter and Sister.
Dana was the cherished daughter of David and Michele Schembri, and sister to her devoted and loving brother, Tony. Dana brought light and warmth into every room she entered. She lived a life filled with kindness, laughter, and deep love for her friends, family, and her beloved late Shih Tzu, Ernie.
Dana's caring and friendly personality always allowed her to make friends quickly wherever she lived, went to school, or worked. And that wasn't always easy because our family relocated three times during Dana's grade school and high school years. Our first relocation was from Michigan to Southern California when Dana was just 6 years old. There Dana quickly made friends and developed a love for dance by joining a dance group which provided her with instant connections. Upon transferring back to Michigan, Dana thrived in both school and dance for several years and developed many meaningful friendships.
Just before Dana entered the eighth grade, our family again transferred, this time to New Jersey. Just like previous moves, Dana embraced another adventure in life and easily made friends that lasted well beyond her high school years. Her passion for dance continued while attending Cal Arts College in Southern California. To be considered for admission to Cal Arts, an applicant not only had to possess exceptional grades, but also needed to compete in an audition with their talent. Dana took on that challenge and was accepted to and attended Cal Arts. She then decided to focus primarily on modeling and acting, honing her skills at the Theatre of Arts Hollywood Acting School. Dana landed several commercial acting roles, music video work, and was a Grammy Awards model.
Dana later pursued a career as a Fashion Consultant at Barney's of New York on Rodeo Drive. Dana quickly advanced as the top producer and forged several relationships with high profile clients due to her hard work and natural charisma. During this time, Dana, who was an avid dog lover, adopted her Shih Tzu, Ernie as a puppy and they formed a special, long-lasting bond. A few years later, Dana relocated to Houston to be closer to Tony who had been transferred there for work. Once again, Dana quickly formed friendships and continued her career as a fashion consultant.
After a few years in Houston, both Dana and Tony moved to Florida where both her Mom and Dad also lived. Tony lived in Tampa, while Dana and Ernie moved just around the corner from
her Dad in Estero. Ernie's health began to fade and he passed away in 2023. Dana was devastated by the loss of Ernie, but continued to pursue the things she enjoyed doing. It was during this time that she decided to learn how to play tennis. It was amazing how quickly Dana took to the sport, not only as a player but also as a fan. She also shared our love for all Detroit sports and enjoyed watching games on television.
The sudden passing of Dana is a devastating loss for all who knew and loved her, but in particular her immediate family. It is difficult to see tomorrow without Dana with us in our lives. Thank God for our faith, family, and friends to get us through this very difficult time.
Dana is survived by her loving parents, David and Michele, her dear brother Tony, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her Paternal Grandparents, Anthony and Mary Schembri, and her Maternal Grandparents, Jack and Joann Dunn. She was also preceded in death by her Aunt Connie.
A Private Catholic Burial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Fort Myers, FL. Dana's final resting place will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Clinton Township, MI.
We will carry Dana's memory in our hearts forever. Her love was a gift that will never be forgotten.
We love you eternally,
Mom, Dad, and Tony