Dana Marie Schaab

Dana Schaab, born September 5, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Dan and Dolly Walich and the devoted wife and best friend of Tom Schaab for 50 wonderful years.

Dana and Tom built a life centered on love, laughter, family, and unwavering partnership. Together, they created a home where everyone felt welcome, cared for, and loved. Whether they were spending time at the lake house, enjoying quiet mornings with coffee, making trips to Jewel or County Fair, or simply being together with their family, Dana’s happiest moments were those shared with Tom. Their marriage was one filled with loyalty, humor, friendship, and deep love — a true partnership that served as the heart of their family.

Dana was a proud and deeply devoted mother to Katherine (Ted) Ewing and Taylor (Danielle) Schaab, and her greatest joy was being “Meema” to Harrison and Evie, who filled her heart completely. She was a loving sister to Tom Walich and cherished sister-in-law to Jeanne. She was also a loving cousin and aunt to many and the proud godmother of Alexis, a role she treasured deeply.

Dana spent much of her life caring for others. She lovingly took care of children of all ages and stages of life, offering warmth, comfort, laughter, and steady kindness to so many families over the years. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and at home.

Her family and friends will remember her for her generous heart, caring spirit, and the deep love she gave so freely to everyone around her.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill South Funeral Home & Cemetery, 11333 South Central Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A funeral services will take place Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m followed by committal servicve at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home & Cemetery.

To honor Dana, we ask guests to wear colors as vibrant as the joy she brought to others.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Dana.