Dana Elizabeth Schwendeman

Dana Elizabeth Schwendeman, (nee Petro) age 34 of Broadview Hts., OH (formerly of Mentor, OH) passed away suddenly in her sleep on April 22, 2025. Dana was the beloved wife of Jamie; loving daughter of Tony and Kim Petro; dear sister of Emily Jennings (Rick); amazing aunt of Wally St. Julian, Ricky Jennings, Tia Schwendeman, Manny Kothe, Sophia Kothe, and Ava Kothe; daughter-in-law of Charles and Jodi Schwendeman (daughter of Joann Fransko); sister- in-law of Jon Schwendeman and Jim Kothe (Mindy); niece of Pam Giles, Vincie Paytosh (Tim), Jim Petro (Carol), Michael Petro (Carla), Beverly Wallace (Steve) and Karin White (Tom); cousin of Brittany Alexsovich (Blake), Amber Bell (Vincent), Austin Giles (Ashley), Meagan Giles, Jaclyn Lowe (Devin), Tara Meineke (Matt), Antoinette Petro, Kaitlyn Petro (Michael), Vincent Petro, Hannah Turner (Michael), Chris Wallace (Kim), and Lindsey Wallace (Jeff); valued colleague, mentor of youth, and cherished friend of many. She was preceded in death by grandparents Paul Fransko, Harriet and Ed Ledeger, Norman Parker, Vincent and Cynthia Petro, and uncles Keith Giles and Timothy Petro.
Born on September 6th, 1990, in Painesville, Ohio, Dana was a fiercely loving individual and constant source of joy. During her life she was able to share her light through many avenues. While attending Center Street Elementary School, she was a member of Girl Scouts and Mentor Youth Soccer. Ridge Junior High School is where she met and fell in love with Jamie, her best friend and devoted husband. Dana became involved with Mentor United Methodist Church (MUMC) Youth Ministry, quickly becoming an integral member of the program. As a member of the graduating class of 2009 at Mentor High School, Dana was a member of Top 25 show choir, theatre and choir programs while also singing in MUMC's worship band, Rock Foundation, and helping to lead Chrysalis, a faith-based mentorship program, on weekends throughout the school year.
As she earned her degree in creative writing and gender studies with emphasis on pre-ministry at the University of Mount Union, Dana joined the sorority Alpha Chi Omega and founded the philanthropic organization Tom's Club. To culminate her academic career, Dana earned a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from the Methodist Theological School of Ohio. After graduating, Dana brightened the world around her as a member of Brecksville United Methodist Church's Worship Band and Choirs.
Dana's professional career was brief but fulfilling, beginning with her time at Build-A-Bear Workshop and the American Girl Store in Columbus, Ohio. In 2016, Dana began her tenure as Director of Youth Ministry at Brecksville United Methodist Church, where she worked daily to inspire young people to love God and love themselves exactly as they are.
Dana infused care and creativity into everything she did. She was a talented artist, integrating her love of God and creative expression most recently with Illustrated Ministry, contributing curricula focusing on youth and intergenerational learning. Some of her work is available to view: https://www.illustratedministry.com/2024/youth-christmas-party/ and https://www.illustratedministry.com/breadoflife
Dana was a kind and compassionate soul, going beyond the call to ensure that every person she encountered felt seen and included. She loved with tenacity and will be forever missed by everyone who knew her, no matter if it was for only a brief moment or an entire lifetime.
Loved ones will be received at the Brecksville United Methodist Church, 65 Public Square, Brecksville, OH 44141 on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 4-6 pm. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 pm. The service will be available to livestream online: brecksvilleumc.com/streaming.
To help build a digital album of Dana's life and extensive impact, photos may be uploaded: https://tinyurl.com/Dana-Schwendeman
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-dana-support-for-jamie-schwendeman
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