Dana Roberts

Dana, known as “Mac” in her youth, was born October 30, 1927 in Los Angeles, California to Clara Belle and Daniel McCormick. At an early age the family moved permanently to St. Petersburg, Florida. On graduating St. Paul’s Catholic High School Dana was given a scholarship to attend art school at the High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. There she furthered her education and natural artistic talent.

Dana met and married Brooke Roberts, a Captain in the U.S. Army, in 1946. Early in their married life, Brooke was part of a Military Assistance Advisory Group stationed in Athens, Greece. Living in Greece and experiencing the architectural wonders of Athens was a thrill for the art and history loving young bride. Military life suited Dana well, providing a variety of shared experiences with other families, and a close-knit community at every post.

Brooke’s final Army tour was at Fort Monroe in Hampton, where he retired in 1974. After moving every few years for all of her married life, Hampton then became “home”. They celebrated their 52nd anniversary prior to his death in early 1999.

Dana lived at The Chamberlin on Fort Monroe for the last several years, where she made wonderful new friends, and despite her 95 years, continued tole painting every day.

She is survived by her brother Jack Farris (Ronda) of Clearwater, FL: her children Patrick (Martha) of Littleton, CO; Karla Kirtley (Wally) of Charlottesville, VA; John (Patti) of Poquoson, VA; and Marc (Melinda) of Elizabethtown, KY. She also leaves grandchildren Christopher and Kendall Kirtley; Bryce Roberts (Danae Ramirez) and Perry Harris (Eric); Ethan Roberts and Ashley Roberts (Dustin Stanley); great-grandchildren Piper Harris and Teagan Roberts, and step great-grandchildren Caden Harris and Silas Ramirez.

To honor Dana’s memory, consider a donation to Peninsula Agency on Aging, 739 Thimble Shoals Blvd. #1006, Newport News, VA 23606, website: https://paainc.org/donate.html, donation link listed below.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.