Dana L. Sanner's Obituary
Dana Louise Sanner passed away on November 24th while having heart surgery. She was the smartest, kindest, most giving person I have ever met. Right before I married her, her father told me to never change her because when they made Dana, they broke the mold. I never did. We were married for 31 of the happiest years of my life. I wish to God I had another 31.
When I met her, I knew she may have some future health problems due to her childhood cancer. I made a conscious decision that my future grief would be worth the time we spent together. It was.
Dana was everyone’s favorite middle school science teacher, beautiful in and out. She taught at the Sanibel School as well as most recently at Gulf Middle School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Towson University and a master’s degree in Human Brain Development as it Relates to Education from Nova Southeastern University. She was truly a “super genius” as her students liked to call her. Her students will always remember singing science songs while Mrs. Sanner strummed the toy guitar that I believe was missing a string. She couldn’t play worth a lick, but that just made it more memorable. Parents loved her, principles and vice principals loved her, and most importantly her students loved her. I loved her more than anyone could know.
She is survived by her husband Steve Sanner; brother Joe Hejl and his wife Jan; sister Linda O’Brien and her husband Dennis; brother-in-law Mark Sanner and his wife Sandra; sister-in-law Kathy Sanner and her husband George Colburn; nephews Matthew and Lukas Sanner; Robert O’Brien; and niece Shana O’Brien. She formed a special friendship with her mother-in-law, my mother, Patricia Sanner. My mother described Dana as her best friend. She took my mom out for bagels every Saturday, shopping, took her to her doctor’s appointments as well as helped her with life’s everyday tasks.
Dana loved our cats like they were her children. She made me promise to take good care of them if she ever passed away. Dana was my wife, but she was my best friend. We truly took care of each other in sickness and in health. Most nights I would race home from work looking forward to just having dinner with her and watching TV. Almost every night we held hands in bed until we both fell asleep. When I left for work in the morning I would always tell her to drive safe, she would respond with “be a good husbandy". I cannot put into words the sense of loss that I feel for my wonderful wife Dana. I hope someday I will see her again.
Good night dear – I love you.
What’s your fondest memory of Dana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dana?
Share a story where Dana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dana you’ll never forget.
How did Dana make you smile?