Dear Dana, 
    I have my Christmas trees up, one of which is my Dana tree.  I miss you so much especially this time of the year.  You epitomized the meaning of Christmas.  Your joy of life was intoxicating.  Tomorrow Stephan is having us over for a brunch, he has two beautiful children.  It will be my only time with my family for the season.  Your spirit will be missed as every time we get together there is a hole without your love.  I miss you tremendously.  Love you, miss you and thinking of you always.  Merry Christmas.  I love and miss you every day of my life.  

Dear Dana, 
     I thought of you all day.  Your 43rd birthday passed without hearing the joy in your voice.  I have thought of the special little girl who was born today breach but beautiful.  The wonderful little girl  you were with so much energy and spirit.  I miss the young woman you were that filled me with love for you.  I thought of the fun you added to my life.  I miss you each and every day. I miss you deeply sweet girl. Happy Birthday Dear Dana.

My dear, beloved Dana,
If I concentrate hard enough I can relive walking with you. Oh, the sheer joy of keeping pace together. Physical pace and mental pace. Conversation...that never lacked content. 
The walk with you was all I needed to breathe with my heart. To live in our touch and laughter. To share our truest selves.

As this school is beginning I can't help but be flooded with memories of you.  I think of you everyday.  I miss you everyday. I often feel your presences in funny situations! I hope you are on a wonderful journey.  Until wet meet again.  Miss you my friend.

Hopeful Belief

When I see Tyler's direct gaze;
When I experience Lauren's smile;
When I am amazed at Josie's conversation;
When I smell Devyn's new baby skin;
When I feel the strength and courage of David's hugs;
When I am comforted by Damon's understanding eyes;
When Jen and Wendy reach out without being asked;
I feel you.
I am reconnected to you.
I have hope in my soul.

My dear Dana, 
As this new school year begins my thoughts go to you.  I miss sharing a new school year with you.  I miss all that was beautiful in you. Our family shared Sarah and Ryan's wedding in joy, but also a deep sadness in the loss of your presence.  Every day I think of the love we shared and feel such a loss. Memories of wonderful moments in years past, laughter, joy, fun, pure love.  I will hold on to these memories always. Love you so much.  Think of you always.

Missing your beautiful face, silly sense of humor and your contagious smile. From the moment I met you years ago you always made me feel like part of the family and for that I will be forever grateful. Miss you to pieces!

DANA ,MY LITTLE SISTER AKA MY COUSIN IMISS U EVERY DAY BUT UR ALWAYS IN MY HEART AND UR SPRIT IS ALAWAYS AROUND LOVE U HEATHER

My Dear Dana,

I cannot begin to express the deep feelings I have for you. The happiness you always gave me.  Your love of music, life, people, your students, your family, and luckily me.  There is not a day that I don't think of you, usually with a smile sometimes with a deep sorrow of knowing that I will not see your beautiful face, hear your voice relaying such wonderful, humorous and loving stories of your day.  You were truly one of the deepest joys in my life. I cherish the memories of the things we shared.  I am so proud to have been in a classroom sharing the gift of teaching with you, what a loss for all the students who will never be able to have "Miss Vance "as their teacher. I am so happy you were in Florida the last years of your life as we shared days at the beach, Fernandina, the "Best Belk's Sale Ever", shopping for Christmas Ornaments for my tree, shopping for ornaments for your tree, music to make me feel better, music to make you feel better, you truly added so much to my life. We shall meet again dear love, wait for me and we can join hands in love once more.

I thought about you today and it made me smile. I will think about you again and no doubt, will smile again.  Even though you aren't with us,  you're still making me smile. All my love.

My son, Christian had the honor and privilege of having Ms. Vance as his teacher. She was such a wonderful teacher and was without a doubt one of his favorites.  Her warm and caring nature has truly made an impact on Christian's life and I am sure every other child who has been fortunate enough to have her as their teacher.  We are deeply saddened and heart-broken by the news.  And can only find some comfort that she is no longer suffering however she will be missed dearly.  Our sincere condolences to your family.  We are happy to let you know that we made a donation in memory of her to donorschoose.org something she was working on with Mr. Bennett as we thought that she would be happy to know that the students now have more equipment that was donated in her memory.  The Petry/Pando Family Loves You Ms. Vance May you Rest in Peace <3

She was on loan to us to teach us.  Teach us how to look and see the wonder of the world and the beauty in the most ordinary of things and places. Teach us to see God in every person's frailty and courage in facing the daily challenges and embracing the daily opportunities. Teach us to smile and giggle at ourselves as we stumble and fall through life, learning to strengthen our weakened legs.  Teach us the balance of life. That life is both tragic and comedic...that there is both life in death and death in living.  It is our choice in which we decide each day.  She taught us that taking the time to share joy is an investment which pays forward forever.  She was on loan to us. And, while the loan is now paid in full; the investment she made in each of us will deliver dividends for the rest of our lives.  Decide today to fully embrace the energy, the joy, the giggles, the weak and ugly as greatly as the strong and beautiful.  In that way, Dana lives forever. To mourn her is respectful. To remember and understand her is Holy. 

I will miss my glorious Dana every minute of every day for the rest of my life...she touched my heart from the second I held her and made me always, forever, proud to be her Mom.  I love you, my Boog.

Ms. Vance , I was so excited 2 years ago to hear that you were going to be my teacher . It was an honor to have been able to meet you , and know you as a person . You're amazing . I just started bawling when I heard the news . I'm sorry I just now heard. I would have went to you're memorial service . I love you so much , you were one of my favorite teachers . It's still hard for me to realize you're gone . But I believe you're in a much better place . You may have lost your battle , but you definitely fought . You'll always have a special place in my heart . Rest In Peace.??

Dana, you were a great person!  I will always admire your strength, toughness and dedication you had to your students as you fought through your fist battle with cancer.   I also loved your personality and sense of humor.  You had a way of brighten people's lives at Ortega!  Dana, you will always be loved and missed by your Ortega family!  Rest in Peace and keep shining down on us!

I am devastated, I just heard the news.  Have such fond memories, love you sweet Dana and so sad your beautiful soul is gone to heaven.  You will be missed.  My heartfelt sympathy to the Vance family.

As I was a part of this family a long time ago. You have always held a special place in my heart. My prayers are with Kathleen, David , Damon and the family. Much love

I only had the opportunity to work with Dana for a short time, but in that time we had many laughs and a few tears.  She loved her students and Ortega Elementary, the halls will be a little dimmer without this sweet little Pixie.  Rest in Peace sweet Dana.

God has another angle to look down upon us. You will be forever missed. I can remember all the good times we had with our friends.

Dana,  you will be greatly missed. From the moment that I met you, you made me feel like I was family. Much love ??Rest In Peace??

To the Vance Family- I am so sorry to hear about Dana.  She was one of the most special people I have ever met.  She always had a smile and her eyes twinkled with happiness even in bad times.  We have lost a precious angel to the heavens and I am sure she is surrounded by children making them giggle with delight.  I will miss her very very much. She handled her illness with grace and dignity.  She was just incredible and I am a better person for having known her.  She truly was a special special woman.  May God bless you with peace and comfort.

Dana was, "The girl next door", so beautiful, so positive.  I just wish I had a chance to know her better.  I'm glad that she is now in a better place and free of all that encumbered   
 her.  
Dave

Dana was a wonderful teacher and great friend. She will be missed by many.  Her spirit will live on through all that loved her.  Love Always, Angela, Danny, and Kayla Bradberry

To the Vance Family ~~~ I wish I could communicate words or metaphors that would ease your pain but they're nonexistent.  I can only offer my deepest condolences.  RIP Dana Vance.

OBITUARY

Dana Terez Vance

7 November, 1972 – 14 December, 2014

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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