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Dana J. Fishback
09/20/1973 — 06/08/2005
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Richland, Washington
Dana J. Fishback
Dana began a new journey on June 8th, 2005. She left very quietly with a great deal of peace and dignity. She will always be in our hearts. We thank everyone who loved her, prayed for her and supported her during the last three years.
Dana was born on September 20, 1973 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Washington. She was a loving and generous daughter who thought more of doing for others than herself. We will truly miss the joy and love she brought to our family. She was our hero.
As a sister she was always there, willing to listen, laugh and offer her support wherever she could. Her courage and passion for life is an example for us to emulate. She was not only a sister, but she was also a friend. Her nephew Tyler will miss fort nights, baking cookies and making presents for our family.
Dana graduated from Richland High School and Washington State University GO COUGS! with a degree in elementary education. Her vision to see, faith to believe and courage to do made her a gifted and dedicated teacher who taught first grade for seven years in California, Oregon and Washington State. She was devoted to her students and had a special ability to inspire them through her creativity.
Dana was a sincere and loyal friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her amazing and unwavering strength and grace taught us all how to live our lives when faced with adversity.
We would like to thank Tapteal Elementary School teachers and other Richland School District employees who donated time to provide Dana with continued health insurance and a salary through the entire school year. Also, a heartfelt thanks goes out to the staff at Columbia Basin Hematology Clinic and the third floor staff at Kadlec Medical Center whose support and compassion were never ending.
Dana is survived by her father and mother, Roger and Sandy Fishback; her brother Jamie, his wife Kathy and their son Tyler; her sister Alyssa Kupka and her husband Johnathon; grandparents, Les and Kay Fishback; Bill and Nancy Jones; her uncle Al Fishback and his wife Lonna; uncle Jim Jones; and countless friends.
There will be a private family burial service on June 13th. The memorial service for friends and family will be held at Central United Protestant Church in Richland on Saturday, June 18th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Fishback Memorial Fund at any Gesa Credit Union. All of these funds will be donated to the Light the Night organization sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Dear Dana,
Thank you for being so brave. You were more concerned about making things easier on those around you than you were yourself. I will miss the “Dana Updates”. Even at the most discouraging news, you were positive and upbeat. You are an angel. I loved getting to know you. The more I knew you, the more I realized how much you were like your mother. I first knew you through your mother. Then I knew you on my own. I love you, Dana. Just as I love your mom. You have a wonderful family. And you will always, always remain a devoted part of the Fishback family. I loved your creativity and enthusiasm. You were so thoughtful. It was fun doing things for you because no one appreciated them more. You are a gift from God. I learned as much from you as if I had been your student. Thank you, Dana. I know you loved Broadway Musicals. I look forward to seeing one someday, and I will be thinking of you and feeling your spirit next to me. I will look out for your mom. The Lord be between me and thee while we are absent from each other. I’m proud of you, Dana. There is no one braver than you! I will miss you always. Love, Connie
Our family was touched by Dana in a profound way. We knew Dana first as a colleague in education. Then our daughter had her as a first grade teacher. She was our friend and someone we all looked up to. We could easily discuss college football or academic progress. As she kept us updated through emails, we prayed with her family and old/new friends in Washington. Our family has a special place for Dana in our hearts. She was our hero too! Thank you for sharing her with us here in Oregon.
Tim, Cyndi, Hannah & Peyton
My thoughts and prayers are with you all…I went to high school with Dana, she was an amazing person, so honest and full of life. I was shocked to hear of her passing, Heaven is a better place with her there. God Bless You all.
Sandy and Roger – My deepest condolences to you at this sorrowful time. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. Dana was a wonderful person, and for you to have lost her so young is devastating. My thought are with you. Kathie
I am so sorry for your loss.Although you are left here to grieve, Dana is free from chemotherapy, radiation, hospitals and doctors. She is healed, finally.
How proud you must be of her courage.
My heart goes out to the Fishback family. Dana was and is a beautiful person. I went through school with her and graduated with her in 92. Last time I saw her was at our high school reunion and she still had that same happy glow like she had in high school. She was a good person. She will be truly missed.
Roger and Sandy, We were saddened to hear of you loss. Our daughter is named Dana also and it really hit us. Our thoughts are with youand your family during this tragic time for your family.
Wayne and Lyndy Wheeler Myers
I always loved watching Dana with her students at Aumsville Elementary. I am so saddened by her loss. She was a true gift to children and those of us who worked with her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dana had my son Rob in 1st grade at Aumsville Elem. Dana had a wonderful influence on Robbie and our family. We are so sorry to hear about Dana. Again our prayers are with you all .
The Federico family,
Len, Norma, Paul, and Rob
Roger, Sandy, Jamie & Alyssa:
I know that words cannot bring Dana back to you. Although, please take comfort in knowing that Dana is with God in Heaven in an eternal paradise beyond our imagination. Remember, death is only hard on the loved ones remaining here on Earth. Remember the good times, and celebrate Dana’s life.
May God Bless You All.
John and Lin Damrell
To Dana’s Family:
I wish I had something to say that would take away your pain. I do have wonderful memories of Dana, though, and I know so many people do. Dana and I were “best friends” back in grade school and I used to absolutely LOVE to come and spend the night at your house. Thank you for always welcoming me into your home! We used to love to make cookies and I was always so happy we didn’t get in trouble for making a mess! We would also make word searches on the computer, then race to see who could finish them first. I also have great memories of our soccer days together. After we graduated, we both got degrees at W.S.U. Go Cougs!, and although we had drifted apart by then, I always remembered what a truly wonderful friend Dana was to me. Even though we were young, it was easy to see the love she had for all those around her, especially her family.
My thoughts are with you, as are those of the entire Kendall family. May you find peace in your memories.
Dear Roger, Sandy and family,
First of all I want to thank you for sharing your daughter/sister with me. She has been an inspiration and a reminder of how one should live their life with love, grace and concern for others. I truly enjoyed working with her at Tapteal. Our friendship was short but she will always be remembered. That infectious smile will always be present in my memories of her!
Missy Cartmell
I miss your sunny smile, Dana and the fun way you bounced into our kindergarten class and checked in with us. You were a delightful teammate, and your students will always have your fingerprints, through your caring instruction, all over their lives. You will always be treasured, sweet friend!
Can’t wait to meet you in heaven!
Karen Lipp :-
Tapteal
Dana was a fantastic 1st grade teachers. As the math specialist at Tapteal, I had many opportunities to collaborate with Dana in teaching a math lesson. I remember the first time I worked with her in her classroom. I was impressed with her calm manner, the way the children responded to her, the insights she had into teaching children and the love she gave all her children. I knew right away that she was a fantastic teacher. I loved working with Dana and loved her positive attitude, her smile, and the way she always cared so much about children. After she became sick, I was so moved by the grace she showed as she faced her illness and the positive way she approached life. I remembering telling her several times that she was my hero – and I truely mean that. My love goes out to her family. I know they are missing her so much.
Roger, Sandy and family,
We first met Dana when she became our son’s first grade teacher at Tapteal. He did not have an easy time of making the transition from Kindergarten to First Grade, but Dana helped us all through it and in addition made my son’s experience positive and rewarding. I am awed by her ability to teach and the positive attitude she showed to all of us. We kept up to date on Dana’s illness through the teaching staff at Tapteal and Dana was in our thoughts and prayers often. We will remember her fondly and always smiling.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dana. My son Ryan had her for a first grade teacher at Aumsville Elementary and absolutely loved her, as did I. As I would gather my three sons around me to read her updated emails we would pray for her and talk about what a true hero she was to us. I will so miss getting those emails from her. She will be greatly missed from all of us.
Love,
Marty, Amy, Josh, Ryan and Jake Dozler
Dana, you will be truely missed. Though the last 21 years have flown by there are no words to express my appreciation for having Dana be a part of my life. I will miss our friendship and partnership at school. Though she won’t be here with me I know that I will have her continued support to be the best teacher I can be. Dana was truely an inspiration to EVERYONE, her courage and strength was amazing and I hope that she now is at peace. She touched many children and will continue to do so…its just in a new place. She will truely be missed. Roger, Sandy, Alyssa and Jamieand Family you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Stuart ~ Renee’ ~ Benjamin ~ Camryn & Mason Dezember
To Dana’s Family:
Dana was such a joy to be around. Haley had her last year as her 1st grade teacher and I loved helping out in the classroom. She was the best and Haley just loved her. She learned alot in her class. She had the patience of a saint and always had a smile through all situations, even the tough ones. We will miss her very much and feel so blessed having her in our life. She will always be remembered and I know she is watching over her family and all her kids from heaven. God Bless You Dana. You will be deeply missed. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Sincerely,
The Golden Family
Carleen, Danny, Haley & Lacey
I have many fond memories of the time I was fortunate enough to spend with Dana. During college, we often wrote to each other, and I still have those letters to this day. Dana came up with this very funny letter once which contained Dusty & Dana’s ABC’s. I have kept this in my scrapbook since ’93 and it brings a smile to my face everytime I read it. Dana was truly a loving and gracious friend, and she will never be forgotten. My prayers are with your family and all those who were touched by her kind soul.
To The Fishback Family,
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of you for the loss of Dana. My prayers, sympathy and love are with you all at this time of your sorrow. May God bless and speed Dana’s journey Home to Him and may He grant you all peace and strength to travel through this sorrow and pain and to healing.
Love to All,
Judy Willox
Dear Dana,
Thank you for being so brave. You were more concerned about making things easier on those around you than you were yourself. I will miss the “Dana Updates”. Even at the most discouraging news, you were positive and upbeat. You are an angel. I loved getting to know you. The more I knew you, the more I realized how much you were like your mother. I first knew you through your mother. Then I knew you on my own. I love you, Dana. Just as I love your mom. You have a wonderful family. And you will always, always remain a devoted part of the Fishback family. I loved your creativity and enthusiasm. You were so thoughtful. It was fun doing things for you because no one appreciated them more. You are a gift from God. I learned as much from you as if I had been your student. Thank you, Dana. I know you loved Broadway Musicals. I look forward to seeing one someday, and I will be thinking of you and feeling your spirit next to me. I will look out for your mom. The Lord be between me and thee while we are absent from each other. I’m proud of you, Dana. There is no one braver than you! I will miss you always. Love, Connie
Our family was touched by Dana in a profound way. We knew Dana first as a colleague in education. Then our daughter had her as a first grade teacher. She was our friend and someone we all looked up to. We could easily discuss college football or academic progress. As she kept us updated through emails, we prayed with her family and old/new friends in Washington. Our family has a special place for Dana in our hearts. She was our hero too! Thank you for sharing her with us here in Oregon.
Tim, Cyndi, Hannah & Peyton
My thoughts and prayers are with you all…I went to high school with Dana, she was an amazing person, so honest and full of life. I was shocked to hear of her passing, Heaven is a better place with her there. God Bless You all.
Sandy and Roger – My deepest condolences to you at this sorrowful time. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. Dana was a wonderful person, and for you to have lost her so young is devastating. My thought are with you. Kathie
I am so sorry for your loss.Although you are left here to grieve, Dana is free from chemotherapy, radiation, hospitals and doctors. She is healed, finally.
How proud you must be of her courage.
My heart goes out to the Fishback family. Dana was and is a beautiful person. I went through school with her and graduated with her in 92. Last time I saw her was at our high school reunion and she still had that same happy glow like she had in high school. She was a good person. She will be truly missed.
Roger and Sandy, We were saddened to hear of you loss. Our daughter is named Dana also and it really hit us. Our thoughts are with youand your family during this tragic time for your family.
Wayne and Lyndy Wheeler Myers
I always loved watching Dana with her students at Aumsville Elementary. I am so saddened by her loss. She was a true gift to children and those of us who worked with her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dana had my son Rob in 1st grade at Aumsville Elem. Dana had a wonderful influence on Robbie and our family. We are so sorry to hear about Dana. Again our prayers are with you all .
The Federico family,
Len, Norma, Paul, and Rob
Roger, Sandy, Jamie & Alyssa:
I know that words cannot bring Dana back to you. Although, please take comfort in knowing that Dana is with God in Heaven in an eternal paradise beyond our imagination. Remember, death is only hard on the loved ones remaining here on Earth. Remember the good times, and celebrate Dana’s life.
May God Bless You All.
John and Lin Damrell
To Dana’s Family:
I wish I had something to say that would take away your pain. I do have wonderful memories of Dana, though, and I know so many people do. Dana and I were “best friends” back in grade school and I used to absolutely LOVE to come and spend the night at your house. Thank you for always welcoming me into your home! We used to love to make cookies and I was always so happy we didn’t get in trouble for making a mess! We would also make word searches on the computer, then race to see who could finish them first. I also have great memories of our soccer days together. After we graduated, we both got degrees at W.S.U. Go Cougs!, and although we had drifted apart by then, I always remembered what a truly wonderful friend Dana was to me. Even though we were young, it was easy to see the love she had for all those around her, especially her family.
My thoughts are with you, as are those of the entire Kendall family. May you find peace in your memories.
Dear Roger, Sandy and family,
First of all I want to thank you for sharing your daughter/sister with me. She has been an inspiration and a reminder of how one should live their life with love, grace and concern for others. I truly enjoyed working with her at Tapteal. Our friendship was short but she will always be remembered. That infectious smile will always be present in my memories of her!
Missy Cartmell
I miss your sunny smile, Dana and the fun way you bounced into our kindergarten class and checked in with us. You were a delightful teammate, and your students will always have your fingerprints, through your caring instruction, all over their lives. You will always be treasured, sweet friend!
Can’t wait to meet you in heaven!
Karen Lipp :-
Tapteal
Dana was a fantastic 1st grade teachers. As the math specialist at Tapteal, I had many opportunities to collaborate with Dana in teaching a math lesson. I remember the first time I worked with her in her classroom. I was impressed with her calm manner, the way the children responded to her, the insights she had into teaching children and the love she gave all her children. I knew right away that she was a fantastic teacher. I loved working with Dana and loved her positive attitude, her smile, and the way she always cared so much about children. After she became sick, I was so moved by the grace she showed as she faced her illness and the positive way she approached life. I remembering telling her several times that she was my hero – and I truely mean that. My love goes out to her family. I know they are missing her so much.
Roger, Sandy and family,
We first met Dana when she became our son’s first grade teacher at Tapteal. He did not have an easy time of making the transition from Kindergarten to First Grade, but Dana helped us all through it and in addition made my son’s experience positive and rewarding. I am awed by her ability to teach and the positive attitude she showed to all of us. We kept up to date on Dana’s illness through the teaching staff at Tapteal and Dana was in our thoughts and prayers often. We will remember her fondly and always smiling.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dana. My son Ryan had her for a first grade teacher at Aumsville Elementary and absolutely loved her, as did I. As I would gather my three sons around me to read her updated emails we would pray for her and talk about what a true hero she was to us. I will so miss getting those emails from her. She will be greatly missed from all of us.
Love,
Marty, Amy, Josh, Ryan and Jake Dozler
Dana, you will be truely missed. Though the last 21 years have flown by there are no words to express my appreciation for having Dana be a part of my life. I will miss our friendship and partnership at school. Though she won’t be here with me I know that I will have her continued support to be the best teacher I can be. Dana was truely an inspiration to EVERYONE, her courage and strength was amazing and I hope that she now is at peace. She touched many children and will continue to do so…its just in a new place. She will truely be missed. Roger, Sandy, Alyssa and Jamieand Family you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Stuart ~ Renee’ ~ Benjamin ~ Camryn & Mason Dezember
To Dana’s Family:
Dana was such a joy to be around. Haley had her last year as her 1st grade teacher and I loved helping out in the classroom. She was the best and Haley just loved her. She learned alot in her class. She had the patience of a saint and always had a smile through all situations, even the tough ones. We will miss her very much and feel so blessed having her in our life. She will always be remembered and I know she is watching over her family and all her kids from heaven. God Bless You Dana. You will be deeply missed. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Sincerely,
The Golden Family
Carleen, Danny, Haley & Lacey
I have many fond memories of the time I was fortunate enough to spend with Dana. During college, we often wrote to each other, and I still have those letters to this day. Dana came up with this very funny letter once which contained Dusty & Dana’s ABC’s. I have kept this in my scrapbook since ’93 and it brings a smile to my face everytime I read it. Dana was truly a loving and gracious friend, and she will never be forgotten. My prayers are with your family and all those who were touched by her kind soul.
To The Fishback Family,
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of you for the loss of Dana. My prayers, sympathy and love are with you all at this time of your sorrow. May God bless and speed Dana’s journey Home to Him and may He grant you all peace and strength to travel through this sorrow and pain and to healing.
Love to All,
Judy Willox
I fondly remember Dana in our younger years as a friendly, helpful and giving person. My condolences go out to the Fishback family.
Dear Roger and family, What strength, courage and faith was shown by all, especially Dana. We love all of our children, but a daughter is truly special. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. Dana will live on forever in your hearts and your wonderful memories will continue to be such a blessing to you.
God Bless,
Jeanie Hutchins Simon
1962 Col-High Classmate
Dana is one of the sweetest yet strongest people I’ve ever met.
Roger and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Although the sorrow of your loss seems to be so consuming at this time, remembering the joys and laughter that Dana brought to your lives is very comforting. She may be gone but will forever live in your hearts. The memories she brought you will forever keep her with you.
Take care, Mike Davis
To Dana’s Family,
Remember that your loss is shared by many friends who care and that you’re in our
thoughts, hearts, and every prayer. I feel so fortunate to have taught with Dana at Tapteal. She was a blessing to all those lucky enough to be around her and touched many, many, lives. With love and hugs, Nicki Blake
Dear Roger, Sandy, and family,
I am one of the lucky ones who has known Dana all her life. I saw her strength and personality develop from a small child, to a creative and gifted student that I was fortunate to have in my third grade class, to finally seeing her become a talented teacher. She was an inspiration to all that knew her. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered.
Love,
Patti
Roger, Sandy and family,
Loving,courageous,talented and devoted were all words used to describe Dana’s wonderful attitude towards life. Even in this time of sorrow, your hearts need to be beaming with joy at the thought of what a wonderful daughter, sister and aunt you were blessed with. You all helped and inspired her to become the wonderful individual that she was and will always be.
Todd and Lori
Guestbook for
Dana J. Fishback