Dana Davison Denio, mom, wife, sister, daughter, grandma, and so much more to so many, passed away July 3, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. She was 63 years old.

Although we lost her far too soon, Dana packed a lot of life into the years she had in this world. Born to Barry and Betty Davison on April 7, 1960, in Aledo, Illinois, she grew up in nearby Andalusia. Naturally bubbly, she made lifelong friends and participated in just about everything there was to offer, minus sports, which she claimed she was far too klutzy for. Dana graduated from Rockridge High School in 1978 and always enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with classmates. She loved everything about growing up in the area and cherished her yearly visit back to the "cabin" each year to see friends and family.

Of all the different roles Dana had in her lifetime, perhaps the most special to her were being mom and grandma. She volunteered in the PTA for years and helped organize school carnivals, events and book fairs. She was at every game, recital, and competition her kids participated in and shuttled them to more practices and lessons than we can count. Dana and her three children all remained close, no matter where they were around the country. As her four grandkids came into the world, Dana made trips to spend time with them in Wisconsin and Georgia. She was their biggest cheerleader and adored sharing her pride in them with everyone she knew.

Another passion in her life was creating art in any and all mediums. She often created pieces for others, including numerous special works for her husband Bob, inspired by their life in New England.  She always loved beaches and would visit them frequently with her husband, whether in the cape or on their trips to New Hampshire and Florida. In her last years, she and Spenser shared Dunkin' runs, time along the Cape Cod Canal with their dog Kimmie and ABBA dance parties in the car.

In the days following her passing, those who knew Dana well shared a common sentiment: she was a pure force of love, caring beyond measure and welcoming with open arms to any and all who were fortunate enough to be around her. Whether you were immediate family or simply an acquaintance, Dana had a way of making you feel right at home. Dana was just as much of a mom to her kids' spouses and friends as she was her own, and extended the same grace, encouragement, and support. If Dana loved you, she made sure you knew it undoubtedly and unequivocally.

Dana is survived by her husband, Bob Denio; her children, Lincoln (Shana) Marr, Lindsay (Albert) Muñiz; and Spenser Parkinson; four grandchildren, Sebastian and Preston Marr, and Jasper and Adrian Muñiz; parents Barry and Patricia Davison, brothers Barry Todd (Debra), Kipp (Marie), brother-in-law Scott Denio, and her sweet niece and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Betty, doting grandparents, and many loved ones who undoubtedly welcomed her into heaven with loving arms.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 29, from 2-4 pm, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Milan, Illinois.