Dana Marie Smith Evans

Akron - Dana, our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to all who had the good fortune to know her, was called by the Lord on July 29, 2023 after gracing the world for 70 years. Dana had a vibrant personality that lit up every room she entered and everyone that knew her. Dana was born in Akron, Ohio and graduated from Firestone High School in 1971. She went on to receive an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, and a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Technical Education from the University of Akron where she joined the teaching faculty as an Assistant Instructor. Dana also served as an Adjunct Instructor at the Southern Ohio College and most recently as an Education Specialist in the Rural Health Professions Program at the University of Illinois School of Medicine (Rockford, IL). In each position, her students benefited greatly from Dana’s passion for teaching English, public speaking, paralegal studies and helping medical students and professors. Previous to these positions, Dana worked at Akron General for many years, primarily in the Department of Orthopedics and the Development Foundation. Dana was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she enjoyed the book club, and performed volunteer work at Stan Hywet, Cleveland Clinic (FL) and Rockford Health System. Dana had various hobbies, including playing piano and caring for her horse, Cali, for over 22 years. She also loved to travel. Dana enjoyed most being with her family and friends with whom she found great joy. Dana was a beautiful person who was kind, caring and intelligent, and had a great laugh, sense of humor and smile.

Dana was preceded in death by her beloved brothers Robert and Philip Hassan, and their father, Philip Hassan; her stepfather, Roy Holdt; grandparents Agnes “Gammy” and Scott Boatwright; and Jim’s parents, Betty Lou and Dan Ewashenko, and their sons, Dan and John Ewashenko; cousin Debbie Bruce; and Dana’s long-time companions Cali and Sydney the wonder dog.
Dana leaves many to mourn her passing who she loved dearly, including her husband and best friend for over 38 years, Jim, and their sons Reed Smith and Ryan (Cat Wood) Evans and Cat’s sons Dylan and James; her mother, Shirley Holdt; sisters, Dresden (John) Buras, and her daughters Hope, Hannah and Heather and Dorian Holdt, and her daughters Lauren and Lindsey; sister in-law Jean Plociniak and her sons Casey, Peter and Jimmy; her devoted dog, Ruby; and many other beloved family members and special friends too numerous to list. She will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. Dana would truly want all of us to celebrate her life, friendship and love, and not mourn her passing. Although she will be greatly missed, her memory will live on in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace with much happiness and joy with God and those who are there to greet her.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 5 to 8 pm, at the Billow Funeral Home 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333. A Memorial service will be held on Friday August 11, 2023 at 11 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1361 W. Market St. Akron, Ohio 44313.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to RubberCity Rescue (dogs) c/o Laura Lawson, 640 East Catawba Ave., Akron, OH 44306 (see Facebook).

During this tender time for the family, kindly share your prayers, thoughts, memories and condolences by visiting www.billowfuneralhomes.com.

A celebration of life gathering will take place at a later date.