In loving memory of

Donna Jean Schiel
February 10, 1959 - November 13, 2017

Donna "Dana" Jean Schiel, age 58, passed away peacefully from cancer surrounded by family at Agrace HospiceCare.
She was born February 10, 1959, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Mickie and Adam Schiel and throughout her life lived in Fond du Lac, the Fox Valley, Alaska, and the Madison Area.
Dana drew energy from her relationships with family and friends. She excelled at forming authentic connection with others and cherished each visit and each moment spent with the people close to her. Dana was well known for her constant and unwavering support for everyone- especially her son and daughter-in-law.
Some of her greatest joys were kayaking, gardening, prairie restoration, savoring wonderful foods, her kitties and grandpuppies. But most of all, her fulfillment and purpose was found in becoming a GiGi to her sweet Lowen girl.
Dana is survived by her son, Colin, daughter-in-law, Lindsay, granddaughter, Lowen, and siblings Karen Baker (Dick), Judie Peterson, and Bill Schiel, along with five nephews and their families. Dana was preceded in death by her parents, her great nephew, Henry, and her brother-in-law, Jim.
Our sweet GiGi, may you find peace basking in the meadow, overlooking the hollow, surrounded by your sunshines.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton. Following the service all are welcome to join in a ceremony of laying Dana to rest at the Farley Center Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to be used for charitable giving in Dana's memory to benefit children's education, environmental preservation and cancer research.


Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406

Tributes

Laurie Ottery wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Dana I will truly miss you, your big smile, your honesty and genuine care for others.You were always a great friend back in high school and again when we reconnected as if it was meant to happen. My regret will forever be that we didn't get together like we planned after that day. I hope you are surrounded by a sea of beautiful flowers every color of the rainbow, that you get to enjoy the sweet whispers in the wind as you watch out over your son, daughter in law and beautiful granddaughter. I know how much they all meant to you. Rest in peace my friend..until we meet again..."

Gayle Byck wrote on Nov 14, 2017:

"I'm so sorry to hear this news. I got to know Dana this past year. She truly was gifted at forming authentic connections with others; even though we never met in person, I did feel a connection to her. She always spoke so highly and lovingly of her family, especially how much she enjoyed spending time with Lowen. I hope she is at peace and that her beloved family is comforted by wonderful memories. -Gayle Byck"