Obituary of Dana Lynn Hamilton

Admired and adored by all who were fortunate enough to share in her life, Dana Lynn Hamilton, 72, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed suddenly on March 16, 2022. Dana was born June 30, 1949 in McPherson, Kansas to Linn and Ione Lundstrom. A small-town cheerleader with an infectious smile, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University before making her home in Kansas City. Dana had a successful 30-year career with the Forrest T. Jones Company, becoming one of the first female officers in the company’s history and earning the respect and friendship of her colleagues. Recently described as “tough as nails with a heart of gold,” she was a rare combination of fierce strength and loving nurturer. Nowhere was this more true than in her role as a single mother to her two daughters, Shannon and Tara, who were the blessed recipients of her wisdom, guidance, unwavering support, and unconditional love. Dana enjoyed cheering on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs, sharing wine with her “sewing circle” sisters, and hosting fabulous family holidays. But all who knew Dana were aware that the true lights of her life were her six grandchildren, Ryan, Jackson, Braeden, Katherine, Benjamin and Brooklyn, who will always know that their Nana thought they hung the moon. Her loved ones will continue to honor her extraordinary legacy by elaborately celebrating life’s special occasions, prioritizing family above all else, and someday, soon, allowing laughter to return, as her wit and sense of humor were second to none. Dana will be forever missed and is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Matthew) Briesacher of Jefferson City, MO and Tara (Christopher) Garcia of Kansas City, MO; Grandchildren, Jackson, Katherine, Benjamin and Brooklyn Briesacher of Jefferson City, MO and Ryan and Braeden Garcia of Kansas City, MO; Brother, Gregory (Susan) Lundstrom of Lindsborg, KS; Nephew, Eric (Erin) Lundstrom of Lindsborg, KS; Best friend and sister, Cynthia Cipolla of Kansas City, MO, and all of the family, friends and colleagues, whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linn and Ione Lundstrom. A Memorial Service celebrating Dana will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11:00 am at The Park Place, 160 English Landing Drive, Parkville, MO 64152. At Dana’s request, a Committal Service will follow on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Lindsborg, KS. As a young adult, cancer took Dana’s own mother from her and though she fought as hard as any one person could, it was also a contributing factor in her inability to stay here with us longer. Memorial gifts in her honor may be made to The American Cancer Society.