Dana Mandolini
Dana Mandolini, nee Michel, age 60, of Bolingbrook. Beloved wife of Dave for 38 beautiful years. Loving mother of Robyn (Patrick) Fardy, Kelley Mandolini, and DJ Mandolini. Caring Mimi to Aria and Cole. Devoted daughter of the late Robert and Marjorie Michel. Dear sister to Candice (Phil) Michel, Gregory (Stephanie) Michel, and Margie (Mark) Pintea. Cherished aunt, cousin, and friend to so many.
Dana cherished time with her family, and always planned fun adventures for her grandchildren. She was passionate about live music and attended many a concert with Dave, family, and friends. She and Dave loved to dance, and were able to show off their skills annually on their favorite trip, the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. Dana was such an avid fitness junkie that she was even doing P90X throughout the last year. She loved nature, especially hummingbirds. Dana also loved football, and was fanatical about her alma mater, Notre Dame, and her hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. She loved her career in education and made a huge difference in the lives of so many students. Dana was an amazing cook, but her true love was baking. She loved to have fun, and was always meeting up with her various groups of friends for new adventures and French Martinis.
Dana was loved by so many and her quirky sense of humor made everyone laugh. She was an amazing listener, and had a knack for making you feel important. We are absolutely devastated by this loss, and she will be missed more than words could ever describe. We will look for her in every hummingbird, and hear her in every Jackson Browne song.
Visitation 3-9 p.m. Friday January 10th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove. Prayers 8:30 a.m. Saturday January 11th from the funeral home to St. Dominic Church, 440 E. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook for Mass at 9:30 a.m.
Luncheon & Entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org or the Wellness House for Living with Cancer at https://wellnesshouse.org/ways-to-give/
What an amazing woman. What an incredible life. Will never forget her.
Loved dana ,always loved watching her when she would see a band (when I hear blues I always think of her and dave). She was totally into it . Always a good time and lots of laughter when the family got together
I always appreciated that she actually would listen to me ( which can be a challenge) most of all she was a gramma, sister, mom and wife . I’m gonna miss her loved her . And thanks for all she has done for my family .
May she rest in peace
May
We are so terribly sorry to hear the news! May all your happy memories help you find comfort.
Rick, Mary Margaret and Riley Collins
While I only knew Dana as Candys’ little sister I knew her parents well and have loved Candice since I met her as an eight year old. Since hearing of Danas’ illness I have spent many wonderful hours playing Dan Folgelberg songs and sending that energy her way. I was humbled and honored to do so. While I can in no way understand and feel her loss to you I can empathize having lost our eldest son Mike to the opioid crisis in 2015,he was 45. My family and I will always hold a sacred space for you all.
Know that we sense your loss deeply.
Chris, Sharon Augustine & family
So sorry for your loss
Sending love and hugs to all of you
Randi and Dan Melnyk and family
Beautiful tribute – thinking of Robyn, Pat, and their whole family.
So sad, so young. stay strong. Dana must be in front row center of all.
I met her at a bar watching her brother’s in law play music. What a doll. Once you met her you, you want to see her again because she makes you feel so good about yourself.
So sad for her family.
Peace.
Raggs
Although we never met, Dana was a fighter and we shared info about cancer treatments on social media.
My codolences to the Mandolini’s
So sad for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-Tracey Salvatore
I had a chance to speak with Dana, Dave, and several members of the Mandolini family on several occasions while watching other family members play music and sing. I’m hopeful that the memories she leaves behind will inspire others to be more like her. Prayers go out to the Mandolini family.
Chris
I just heard about Dana in St Dominic tonight.
Kelly was in my Scout troop many years ago.
As our girls grew up, I went back to work in Burbank and lived in Michigan every summer.
Now we have sold our home of 27 years and head to MD to care for our grandson..
Dave – I just found out about Dana. I’m so sorry. My condolences to you and your family.
I hope to see you at a Subdudes show soon.
Mark Silvers (aka Chicago Mark)
mark.silvers@att.net