Sunday, May 11, 2008

Toledo Blade, May 11, 2008

The online obituary as published in the Toledo Blade may be found here and the obit as submitted is below:


Dana Diemer White

Gentlewoman Dana White passed away, at home, surrounded by her family on May 8, 2008 after a spirited struggle with lung cancer. Dana was born in Toledo, Ohio to Shirley (Rouse) and Richard Diemer and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School where she was the class of 1955 homecoming queen. Dana attended both the University of Miami (Florida) and Denison University.

In 1960 she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Air Force Lieutenant David White in a ceremony at her parents’ home. They were blessed with two children, Stephanie and David Jr., to whom she remained a devoted friend, mother and confidante until her last days. Dana was especially proud of Stephanie’s independent nature and David’s self deprecating humor, both of which she relied upon during her illness.

Dana was a passionately private person whose home and gardens were a haven of beauty for her loved ones. She was known for her ability to reach out to others through the notes she sent, the poems and quotes she shared, and the community organizations to which she devoted herself.

Besides her husband and her children, she will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, Audrey and Cecily White, who benefitted greatly from her generosity and wisdom, as well as by her son-in-law George Van Sickle and daughter-in-law Hilary White, who all loved her dearly. Sharing the loss of this consistently kind and thoughtful soul are the families of her brother Richard (Ann) Diemer Jr., James (Sue) F. White, Jr., and Tim L. White and Nancy White.

Dana wished to be remembered with a lively celebration instead of a somber service. The family will proceed with these plans in the near future. Internment will be private. Dana’s husband and children want to commend the staff of Flower Hospital, especially the Oncology and ICU staff, for their compassionate care.

Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice and condolences may be shared at http://celebratingdana.blogspot.com, but to genuinely honor Dana’s spirit, take time to nurture relationships, be it with animals, plants or people. She always did.

“Nobody sees a flower, really – it is so small – we haven’t time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.” - Georgia O’Keeffe

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