Dana Willy

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Dana Willy, 16, died peacefully, on Jan. 10 in her Austin home with her brother Nathan, mom Mabel, and dad Michael Willy at her side. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church, 6909 West Courtyard Drive, Austin, TX 78730 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.

On the Caring Bridge website journal set up after Dana was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, Dana’s Dad said her last words were “I love everyone” and he explained, “She means you.”

That’s who Dana was and what she did. Dana loved her friends and family and took care of them. If you were lucky to spend time with her, you were amazed at how she listened and made you feel alive, present, deeply loved, and cared for.

Dana was beautiful inside and out, able to make even an old pair of overalls look fashionable. Her smile could make your day.

During the tribute at her high school, the Griffin School, kids and parents alike talked about the impact she had on their lives.

Dana excelled in academics,  earning straight 100s in chemistry and dedicated her best to every challenge. In addition to her scholastics, Dana’s artistic talent was extraordinary, winning accolades for her numerous creations.  And as a gifted musician, she played the ukulele and sang with a pure, crystal voice. She earned a position on the Griffin School House band as their lead vocalist and performed all over Austin.

Dana’s aunts and uncles, Mary Lambert of Possum Kingdom Lake, Lynn Willy Ruthrauff and Amy Willy Finney, both of Houston, and Gregory Willy of Austin and their families join Kenneth Willy and Dana’s family honoring her special life as they celebrate her arrival into her Heavenly home.

 Because of Dana’s natural beauty, the church will provide a place to lay a bouquet of flowers instead of more formal floral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Griffin School https://griffinschool.org/support-us/donate-now/ then pull down “My donation is for”  “Dana Willy Scholarship Fund” or checks can be sent with  “Dana Willy Scholarship Fund” in the memo to The Griffin School, 5001 Evans Ave. Austin, TX 78751.