Two Years

It is hard to believe that it is now 2 years since you left us. You are deeply loved and sorely missed by your family and friends. What a gift to us all you were, and your wisdom, manner and grace and kindness in our lives is needed more than ever. You live are in our hearts and thoughts and we try to fill the void you left behind, we ask, what would Dana do? We honor and celebrate you in our lives the best we can and try to pass on the many lessons you taught us. You live on in our hearts.

Guest Book for May 27 - June 2

Uncle David, Stephanie and Dee Dee: It is very difficult for me to believe that my dear "sister", Aunt Dana, is no longer with us. She was my friend, relative, mentor and "hero". Her joy of life, appreciation for all things beautiful and her sincere concern for others set such a high standard for all who knew her. Her love of nature was inspirational. The beautiful garden and beloved deer and ducks that graced the property were so special to her. Life for me will never be the same without her. I will toast her with my Rombauer Chardonnay we grew to share on the many trips and other wonderful times we were together. I will remember Dana forever as my best friend and "the most beautiful flower in the garden of life." Much love and hugs, Aunt Sue

sue white (toledo, OH) Contact me

---

	May 30, 2008
	My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
	Tammy (OH)

---

	May 27, 2008
	Dear David, Words cannot convey the loss of Dana in all our lives. The world has been lessened in losing a beautiful, gracious, gentle soul. Her kindness and generousity of spirit will always be remembered and her laughter will resound in our minds.
	Richard & Silvia Lee (Perrysburg, OH)

She really loved those Baby Elephants!

Western Serengeti, Tanzania, Africa, June 2007:

Guest Book May 20 - 26

Notes of kind appreciation continue to come in:

	May 25, 2008
	Dear Dave, Dana was always the nicest person in the world to me...When she said, "HEY RED," I used to light up..She'll be sadly missed by me and I will think about her often with a happy smile....Dave Shulak
	Dave Shulak (Scottsdale, AZ) Contact me

---

	May 22, 2008
	David and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Dana passing. Harry told me last night. I so wish that we had our lunch. I will miss her very much! Her laugh, her smiles, the times we did share. Bobby and Abby remember her bringing out that silly duck on the stick and walking around your yard and pool. She touched so many people in so many different ways. My thoughts are with all of you. Amy
	Amy Falconer (Palm City, FL) Contact me

Guest Book for May 17 - 19

	May 19, 2008
	Dave & Family, Joys we've shared. sadness we share. I'm 71; it's the memories of our youth that bring me the most pleasure. With Dana I stepped from youth to adolescence. Still in my mind is the apprehension I felt when ask to a party she held. Rumor had said that a game "Spin the Bottle" was to be played. Sharing my reflection confirms the event is remembered by others. Joyful memories shared fond reflections of pleasent youthful events. Dana would have been present in so many that bring a smile to my face today. I see Dana on the gym floor. A white pleated skirt surrounds her, her legs tucked underneath. She wears a heavy cable knit letter sweater, that broad smile on her face. I know Dana would be pleased to be carried in my memoriy this way. With care and love to all,
	Jay W. Hart (Palm Harbor, FL)

---

	May 18, 2008
	Dear David, Dave Jr. , Stephanie and families, We would like to extend our condolences on the loss of Dana. From reading the Guest Book, we can tell she was a special woman. Our thoughts and prayers our with you. Tom and Patti Kolena
	Tom Kolena (Toledo, OH)

---

	May 17, 2008
	Dear David, Stephanie, George, Hillary and David, We were terribly saddened to learn of Dana's untimely passing. We will miss her spirit and her warm and loving way. We send our heartfelt condolences to all of you, knowing that Dana will live on,ever feeding your hearts and your minds and your imagination. With love,
	Ina and Jim Tuschman (Toledo, OH) Contact me

---

	May 17, 2008
	June & Don Basch (Lake Geneva, WI)

---

	May 17, 2008
	Dear David, Stephanie, Dave Jr. and families, I have been reading all the wonderful things people have written about Dana and I can see her smile (and blush a little.) Joel and I have felt like adopted family for such a long time. In Toledo, Dana and I would email and we made sure to celebrate our birthday each November, but we had more time to visit in Florida and it was so much fun. While you, Dave, and Joel would go do your "men" things, Dana and i would shop or just sit and talk for hours. She always made me think I was the only one in her world at the time. How special she made me feel. When you guys would come back from your adventures, she and I would just roll our eyes over your stories!! Please know that we feel honored to have had her in our lives and we have you in our thoughts and prayers. With love,
	Joel and Davie Epstein (Holland, OH)

Mama Tembo on Safari

David took Dana and family on Safari for her 70th birthday. It was a truly wonderful trip. "Tembo" means elephant and Dana was especially entranced by them. She never tired of watching them. Soon we were calling her "Mama Tembo".

This photo is from the day we saw the Red Cobra. (We didn't tell her about that, it would have been worse than the day in Manyara NP that a snake fell out of a tree and landed on the ground next to her!)












Watching elephants crossing the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti, Tanzania.


















Here is what she was watching:

At Stephanie's Wedding

Here a couple of photos from Stephanie and George's wedding (1994). She was a lovely mother of the bride and hostess of a wonderful event.

Guest Book for May 14 - 16

	May 16, 2008
	Dear Dave, Stephanie and David, We just learned of Dana's passing this morning, and want to share our condolences and fond memories of Dana's verve for life. How well we remember the enjoyable day fly fishing the AuSable River, and Dana catching most of the trout. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
	Dave and Carol Waltz (Hillside, CO) Contact me

---

	May 16, 2008
	Dave, Dave Jr. and Families, Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May all your memories of your wonderful wife and mother bring you comfort.
	Dick and Cindy Nensel (Sylvania, OH)

---

	May 15, 2008
	To the White Family, The last chapter in the Bible states - "Follow Me." Dana asked that no tears be shed for we all will soon be together again. This is the first time in 6 years that Dana and I will miss our annual Worth Avenue shopping spree complete with a lobster salad lunch at Renato's. Not many years ago we were in Dana and David's wedding - - - seems like yesterday. Candles have been lit, plus prayers and a mass have been held on Dana's behalf. From all of the Gaspari's, we send our sincerest sympathy to the White Family during this time of sorrow. We love you all. The Gaspari Family.
	Norma and John Gaspari (Tequesta, FL) Contact me

---

	May 15, 2008
	David and Family: We are so very sorry to hear about Dana. We have been very concerned since hearing about her health a couple months ago. Dana and Sharon had a wonderful lunch in Palm Beach, and Sharon was looking forward to getting together in Toledo. It was a pleasure for Jeff to work with Dana and David in Florida. We know you will miss her warmth and caring personality, and our thoughts are with you.
	Jeff and Sharon Rumpf (Toledo, OH) Contact me

---

	May 15, 2008
	Dear Dave, Stephanie, George, Dave and Hillary, I have been thinking about Dana and all of you so much in the past few days. It is such a sad time for you to no longer have Dana with you, but also a time to remember her wonderfully caring, thoughtful and independent spirit. She showed in so many ways how much her family and friends meant to her. We went back so many years. I remember ladies' nights out and afternoons lounging, laughing and chatting by the pool with Dana and Anne. I have comfort in my heart imagining that Anne and Dana picked up where they left off. I know you will all miss her so much as will I. With Sympathy and Love, Kathie
	Kathie Levison (Ketchum, ID) Contact me

---

	May 15, 2008
	Mr. White my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mrs White was my "MDX" inspiration, she always was kind to me, i will never forget that. Anything i can do please dont hesitate to ask. Terry J. Awls and Family
	Terry Awls (Sylvania, OH) Contact me

---

	May 15, 2008
	David and Stephanie, I have many memories of times we shared that bring a smile to my face, and my hope for you is that your memories will help you through this difficult loss. Your mother was a very special woman.
	Jennifer Foster (Toledo, OH) Contact me

---

	May 14, 2008
	Dave, Just returned from 5 days of fly fishing in PA where we thought of and talked about Dana (& the whole White family!) many times as Tom B. had called us Saturday morning just before we left. Many fond memories and one conclusion: Dana had a charmed life thanks to you, David Jr., & Stephanie. Please call us if we can do ANY thing to help at any time. Much love, Kay & Steve
	Steve Foster (Maumee, OH) Contact me

---

	May 14, 2008
	Dave and Family, Linda and I wanted to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Dana. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family during this time. Jim and Linda
	Jim and Linda Cannaley (Holland, OH)

---

	May 14, 2008
	Dear Mr White, Dave Jr. and Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of Mrs.Whites passing. My family and I will keep you all in our prayers. Edward & Misty Montaine & family
	Edward Montaine (Findlay, OH) Contact me

Her Style

Hi, I'm Audrey White, and Dana White was and always will be the best grandma ever! She was so down-to-earth, and she also looked at the big picture when you needed help. A lot of her is in me, especially her style! She was the most stylin' grandma around!

Audrey

Reflections of Aunt Dana from the Gifford Family

Aunt Dana was a wonderful, caring and thoughtful woman, and she will be sorely missed by our entire family.  While we have had many memorable experiences with Dana over the years, when we sat down to talk about what we wanted to say about Dana, we immediately thought of the same memories that, while they are very simple, say a lot who Dana was and what she meant to our family.

First, there were Aunt Dana’s cards for every member of the family on every occasion.  Without fail, no matter what the occasion, holiday (whether it was a birthday or Valentine’s Day) or family member (and there are a lot of us), you could always count on receiving a card or note from Aunt Dana.  This was symbolic of her thoughtful and caring nature, and it was much more than just a gesture.  With busy lives and long distances between families, it was her way of keeping in touch and letting us know she cared and was thinking about us.

Second, we hold fond memories of spending warm summer afternoons, when visiting Toledo, sitting around the pool chatting with Aunt Dana, while the kids splashed around.  Of course, Aunt Dana was always the gracious host.  But more than that, we always looked forward to catching up with Aunt Dana and sharing in the beautiful surroundings that she seemed to enjoy so much.  We will cherish those times, and it makes us happy to remember Aunt Dana in her element.

While we will miss Aunt Dana, her presence in our lives is not lost.  Our fond memories of time spent with her and her thoughtful and caring nature will have an enduring impact on our lives and will not be lost by her passing.

Love,
Carey, Colby, Abby, Maggie, Lily and Sophie

Guest Book Entries for May 13

May 13, 2008 Dear Uncle Dave, Stephanie and Dave Jr. Jayne, the children and I will truly miss aunt Dana. Since I was little she has been a beacon of love and grace. We all have such fond memories of her and the wonderful White family. We love you all very much and you will continue to be in our prayers. Love, Jack and Jayne Gaspari Jack and Jayne Gaspari (Sioux Falls, SD) Contact me May 13, 2008 Dave and family, A sincere note of sympathy is extended to each of you at this time of your loss. I have known and worked with the White family over the years and have fond memories of time spent with Dana. May your fondest memories carry you through this difficult time. Bill Romp (Rossford, OH) Contact me May 13, 2008 Dear White Family, It was such an honor to meet and care for Mrs. White. It was a pleasure to meet your family. Mrs. White made an impact on heart and will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are out to your family in this time of need. If you need anything don't hesitate to call me. Michelle Fox (Walbridge, OH) Contact me May 13, 2008 I was so saddened to hear of Dana`s parting. She was such an important part of my growing up. I was so very blessed to have spent time with her at our 50th - it was just like old times- laughing, loving and remembering. My prayers and thoughts are with you Dave, and your family. It was a privilege to have been her friend. Sue Stowell Patton - class of 55 Ottawa Hills Sue Stowell Patton (Jacksoon, MI) May 13, 2008 To Dave White and family, The Dana Diemer I knew, so exemplified the Ottawa Hills Class of '55. It is hard to believe she is gone. Yes, she was our high school's Homecoming Queen, but she was so much more than that. Dana was a leader, and seemed to have a role in about everything we did as a class, especially our senior year. She was always there . . involved, contributing, caring, helping to make things the best they could be. She helped to make our class unique. We all loved her. We guys knew she was special, and were all envious of Dave White . . who wouldn't let her go . . ever. . . until now. God bless you Dana White, we will miss you. May God Bless you Dave and give you strength. And, blessings to the White family . . who I don't know With fond memories, Dave Morrison Class of "55 Dave Morrison (Midland, MI)

Photo below Taken in Baja 2007 bottom row Hilary, David Sr,Dana, David Jr. Top:Audrey,George,Stephanie and Cecily

Dana White Family

Guest Book Entries for May 12

The Guest Book comments continue to come in. Thank you so much everyone!

To create a guest book entry, click the link "Click Here for the Guest Book" at the top of the page.

	May 12, 2008
	Dave,Dave Jr,.Stephanie, This is Nancy( Inverness waitress).I extend my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear wife and mother.She was a very dear and sweet person to know.!!
	Nancy Rose (Toledo, OH)

	May 12, 2008
	Dave and Family, this is certainly a voice from the past. I was in Dana's first Grade class through 6th grade at Old Orchard school and remained friends through high School although I attended DeVilbiss other than my Junior year at Ottawa hills. I am Waldo Shank (R00K), & attended and graduated from Michigan State & moved to California After marrying my love in Saginaw Mich. We have lived in Ca. for the better part of the past 50 years. Retired to Palm Desert, I was told of Dana's passing by a mutual Toledo Friend. My fondest memories of Dana were from those years at Old Orchard and what a stunning little girl Dana was. She was always dressed in the best and never was without a huge floppy hair bow to compliment her outfit. She was the "Shirley Temple" of our class! Although I know only her Husband Dave, I know how sorely she will be missed by you all! Our Prayers and best wishes to you all! Rook and Kay Shank
	Waldo "Rook" Shank (Palm Desert, CA) Contact me

---

	May 12, 2008
	Dana was a magnificent human being in every way who leaves a legacy of caring and loving that touched the lives of so many. May the wonderful memories of her life overshadow the grief of her loss. Our deepest condolences to the family.
	Shirley & Joel Levine (Ottawa Hills, OH)

---

	May 12, 2008
	Dana was a most loving, compassionate and giving person. A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother with such an engaging smile. She cared about everyone and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with all of you.
	Sue & Joel Zanville (Toledo, OH)

---

	May 12, 2008
	Dear White Family, I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. White's passing. Although our families were friends for years, I only recently had gotten to know Mrs. White, Steph and Hilary,while on a "mom/daughter" trip to Baja where when we parted I comfortably called her "Dona" (mexican "n"). It was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. What a wonderful, funny and generous gentlewoman. My prayers are with all of you.
	Cynthia Dunbar Stauder (Ann Arbor, MI)

---

	May 12, 2008
	MY THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY ARE WITH YOU,STEPHANIE AND DAVID,JR. I WILL NEVER FORGET MY FRIEND, DANA LEE. YOUR VERY OLD FRIEND
	TOD ROEMER (CONNER, MT)

---

	May 12, 2008
	Steph, David,and David Jr. You All Know that you and the family are in my thoughts. I always enjoyed the times that I got to spend with Dana and the family at Steph and George's place. I will miss her smile.
	Timothy Broud (Toledo, OH)

---

	May 12, 2008
	Dana White -- always a lady, always gracious, always kind. A gentle woman, indeed. The world is a better place for her having been here. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
	Diane Friedman (Sylvania, OH)

---

	May 12, 2008
	Dear White Family, We are so sorry to learn of Dana' passing. The story about Dana's life that was listed in the Blade was absolutely touching and truly told a wonderful story about how Dana touched everyone's life that she came in contact with - She not only was beautiful on the outside but very special and lovely on the inside. We remember her beautiful smile and warm spirit - we pray that God wraps his loving arms around each of you to provide the comfort you all need during this difficult time in your lives. Love Carroll and Dorothy
	Carroll and Dorothy Ashley (Toledo, OH) Contact me

---

	May 12, 2008
	Dear Butch and Ann, Mike and I were so sorry to read of your sister Dana's passing. Reading her tribute shows us her gentle nature and love of her family. We are sorry not to have known her. You will all be in our thoughts during this difficult time. Karen and Mike McGee
	Karen McGee (Maumee, OH) Contact me

Guest Book Entries for May 11

The guest book entries over at the Toledo Blade (legacy.com) site have been fantastic! So many warm and touching comments. We are going to copy them over into a blog post so they are incorporated into this site. Many thanks to all those who took the time to write something. It means a great deal to Dana's family. May 11, 2008 Dear Uncle Dave, Stephanie and David, My deepest sympathies for you all. Aunt Dana was a very special woman. I have fond memories of spending time out at the pool with her. She will be greatly missed. With love, Candy Candy Diemer Stewart (Parker, CO) May 11, 2008 Dave, I was very sorry to be informed of Dana's passing via an email from Gini Gubbins(Johnstone). I remember her as being one of the nicest seniors when I was a junior in Hi school. She was always so sweet to me even when I was a new "kid" at Ottawa Hills. I am very sorry for your loss. Dan Henderson Dan Henderson (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear Dave, It was a privilege to share some "fun" times with you and Dana the past few years. There were so many years that our live's different paths away from those school days were such that we seldom came in contact. But, the good Lord allowed us to gather, after some "tough" rounds of golf and, laugh over the stories of school and friends years ago. A number of times I have tried to think back to when I first knew Dana. It may have been in Old Orchard when, I believe, she and Butch lived on Cheltenham. Then there were the dancing lessons with Marie Vogt in the OHHS gym. Finally, I rejoined the class of "55" for the last two years of high school. There were so many great memories. The one constant was that wherever Dana was present she was always a leader and the spirits of all those around were high. This is not lost on our Lord for "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" Ps. 116:15. The Lord remembers us and keeps us until we are reunited with Him for eternity. Dana heard the Lord and knew Him. She waited for God's will and, by grace, became fully obediant. Dana has certainly finished her course with joy as, she pursued it with diligence. God's infinite love is a mystery of mysteries and, our eternal rest lies on the eternal enjoyment of it. Dave, you are in my prayers always, as you and Dana have been for several years. God's peace and blessings. Chuck and Joyce Racine Charles and Joyce Racine (Sylvania, OH) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dave, You and your family have been in our thoughts and our prayers since you left Florida. Dana was a special person and we are so sad for all of you. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Nancy & Stan Engle Nancy and Stan Engle (Bryn Mawr, PA) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dave, David Jr, Stephanie, We, at the Knight household, are going to miss Dana. We will miss her love of family, friends, flowers, and children. She was truly a 'gentlewoman'. Debbie and I are greatly saddened by her struggle and passing. She will be missed by all of the Knight family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the White family. Tony & Debbie Knight (Perrysburgh, OH) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear Dave Jr. and Hillary, Jamie and I are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Warmly, Cyndi and Jamie Rosenthal Cyndi Rosenthal (Toledo, OH) May 11, 2008 Dear White Family, We are so sorry for your loss. The tribute to Dana was beautiful,she was a gentlewoman. I will always remember her wonderful smile and how much she loved life. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Paul and Randi Betz Randi Betz (Toledo, OH) May 11, 2008 David, David Jr. and Stephanie, I am truly sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of Dana and all of you during this sad time. I never got to meet Dana, but Tim Jr. told me how wonderful she was. He said he had so many wonderful memories of your home and it's land. I will continue to send good thoughts your way. Lena Miller (Dayton, OH) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear White Family, My deepest sympathy and for fond memories, may she rest in peace. We will miss all the beautiful things she brought to all of us. With love Corrine Joseph corrine joseph (toledo, OH) Contact me May 11, 2008 To The Family of Dana White, I'm sorry about the loss of your loved one. Her obituary is so true a "Gentlewoman" she was and I am very glad to have had the pleasure to her.Gloria from Inverness Gloria Wakefield (Toledo, OH) May 11, 2008 Dave, Dave Jr., and Family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I only had the opportunity to meet Dana twice, but she proved to everything expressed by all those who knew her well. I really appreciated the hospitality and cheer she provided on my few trips south. My best to all of you. Tim and Leslie Janiak (Grand Rapids, OH) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear Dave, Immediately upon meeting Dana I knew I'd found a kindred spirit and best friend. As you know, I loved to make her laugh and it was so easy! Every time we were together we giggled like school girls with silly secrets. I so admired her strength, insight, love of life, sense of play, trustworthiness, loyalty, knowledge of many areas, quiet accepting, love of her girlfriends and love of her family. I also loved her devotion to you, David. After all your years together her love and admiration welled up when she spoke of you. "Isn't he a great guy?", she smiled and said to me the last time we were together. David and Stephanie, Your mother never tired of being proud of you, your accomplishments, the children, your love, and devotion. You gave her everything she needed and wanted. Please always hold this knowledge in your hearts. Dana added immeasurably to my life. I will love and miss her forever. Sandy Gozzo (Tequesta, FL) Contact me May 11, 2008 I think our first relationship began in the third grade. The White Family has been our friends ever since then. Dana was a true friend and a wonderful mother and wife. I can still see her laughing at my 70th birthday party in March. I will picture that laugh and all the other fun times we have had over the years. Kathie and I have been thinking of David and the family constantly since her death and remembering her at her best. She will truely be missed but her poem is typical Dana and puts things right into perspective. Hans and Kathie Berkeley Jones (Berkeley) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear Dave, Stephanie and David Jr., Dana was such a delight in our lives! (One of my very favorite souls from the day we met.) We are thinking of you all, and send our prayers of comfort that you may be warmly wrapped in her spirit. With love, Kira and Steve Kline Kira & Steve Kline (Temperance, MI) Contact me May 11, 2008 Stephanie, We just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother sounded like a wonderful, caring, and compassionate woman. A lady that will live in your hearts forever. Dave and Paula Prediger (Holland, OH) May 11, 2008 Dear Dave, Dave, Jr. and Stephanie, We have very fond memories of Dana. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Most Sincerely, Jack and Bobbie Baxter (Mercer, WI) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear David, What vivid, fun and fond memories I have of Dana and you in high school. Dana was such a beautiful, bubbly girl. I can see us now in our long skirts and bobby sox!! Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Truly, Gini Gini Johnstone-Rubin Gubbins (Phoenix, AZ) Contact me May 11, 2008 Dear Dave, What a beautiful tribute to Dana in this morning's paper. She was indeed a gentlewoman. My only regret is that our paths did not cross often. Jim joins me in sending our sympathy to you all. She will be very much missed by all who knew her. Regards, Cynthia and Jim Apostolakis Cynthia Apostolakis (Naples, FL) May 11, 2008 David, Stephanie and David, Jr, We send our love and deepest sympathies to you and all of your families. Dana was such a delight and joy to be with. We know that she will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With love, Bruce and Joan Hankins (Pemberville, OH)