Dana Shelton Lee

Dana lived life to the fullest! She attended parochial school at Most Blessed Sacrament (class of 1983) where she remained an active alumnus and then graduated high school at Holy Rosary (class of 1987). From there she obtained her nursing degree from the University of Louisville in 1994 and started her 37-year nursing career at the University of Louisville hospital. She pursued oncology nursing and was known throughout the Brown Cancer Center and by her colleagues as one of the best nurses in the business. Her knowledge base, compassion, patient driven care and organizational skills proved to be the perfect fit to become a leader in the realm of Oncology nurse navigation.

She courageously fought her own colon cancer battle for 6 ½ years and was a voice in advocating for others through such avenues as Gilda’s Club, Colorectal Cancer Prevention Project and the Epic experience (Cancer Survivor experiences) as well as an inspiration to so many others.Dana was a fan of the Louisville Cardinals, was a decorated runner and an avid hiker. There was never an adventure, trip or experience she would say no to and valued those memories with her family and friends.Dana’s family was her foundation. She is survived by her life partner Tony Lee, her children Anthony Lee, and Morgan Lee Pledger (Isaac) who were her pride and joy. In addition to her parents, Roger and Sandy Shelton and her brother David Shelton.The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to her care team, especially Dr. Rebecca Redman and Samantha “Sam” Burnett as well as her life long friends who were there every step of her cancer journey.

Visitation will be at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home on Sunday, 9/20/2026 from 2 pm to 8 pm, located at 4895 N Preston Hwy, Shepherdsville, KY 40165, with a Christian mass on September 21 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7500 Tangelo Drive, Louisville KY 40228. Private entombment to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to any of the following organizations in her memory:

• Brown Cancer Center – direct to the patient care fund

Cancer Research Funding | Support the Brown Cancer Center – https://uoflhealthfoundation.org/brown-cancer-center/

• Shirley's Way

https://www.shirleysway.org

• Colorectal Cancer Project Donate - Colon Cancer Prevention Project – https://coloncancerpreventionproject.org/help-kick-butt/donate

• Epic Experience – Beyond Cancer Donate Now - Epic Experience https://epicexperience.org/donation/