Obituaries

Dana Lynn Filippello, of Bartlett, IL, was called home to her heavenly eternity on Jan. 9th, 2024, at the age of 60. She was born on April 3rd, 1963, in Chicago, IL, to her loving late parents, Frank and Judy (Towers) Filippello. Dana was also preceded in death by her dear older brother, Nicky.

Dana had a blast at every age and station of life. Her childhood was filled with laughter and mischief. Always playing outside with friends, brother Nicky, sister Jenny… and a wildly fun pack of cousins she has on both sides of her family! She always felt fortunate to have grown up in the era she did and with the family she absolutely adored.

Later, she married George J. Othon, and they had three children. As a mother, Dana radiated life, love, God, and laughter in every way imaginable. You could always find her giggling and plotting her next prank. Our mom had a carefree attitude and brought much of her own childhood to her kids. Whether it was teaching us to play kick the can, ding-dong ditching the neighbors, orencouraging her children to try anything and everything that sparked our interests. There was never a dull moment with a mom like her. She was kind, patient, and full of wisdom she learned from her own parents. And despite divorcing, George and Dana, over the years, grew close again in friendship when they became grandparents.

The rock, or gem, in her life is her sister Jenny. “Sisters … There were never such devoted sisters” sang their mother Judy. Dana and Jenny had a vibrant, unconditional love for each other and a humor so in sync that would make heads turn. As lifelong best friends Jenny spent these last 7 months supporting Dana in every aspect of her fight against cancer. Jenny cared for Dana until the very end with every ounce of her being.

The final chapter in Dana’s life was in 2017 when she became a grandparent. The family’s beloved “Nani” had 4 grandkids and from 2019 – 2021 she nannied for me, her oldest daughter Danielle’s 3 kids. Then in 2021, her son Georgie, and his 1-year-old daughter, needed her and she became a full-time caretaker to her last grandchild all the way up until just weeks before her passing. Clearly a dedicated Nani, Dana was the most present, fun, and active grandparent one could ever dream up.Anyone fortunate to have been close with Dana would agree; she lived for her kids and grandkids.

My mom loved Halloween, cooking Sunday night dinners for her family, recent spur-of-the-moment trips to Mt. Rushmore, Washington D.C., and even Egypt! She also enjoyed trips up to WI to visit her daughter Melanie. The last trip being a very special one as the two of them went wedding dress shopping and found the dress her youngest will be wearing on her wedding day this coming October!

This vibrant life was cut far too short; but she lived it to the fullest! Dana will be forever missed. She is survived by her sister, Jenny Filippello, her 3 children, Danielle (Justin) Bardahl, Georgie Othon (Emily Kramer), and Melanie Othon (Alex Trinkner). She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Olive (6), Jude (4), Isla (4), and Mary Jane (3). In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind 2 aunts and 3 uncles, a mother-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, and many cherished cousins and friends.

We are all so lucky to have known, loved, and LAUGHED with Dana. We will forever hold dear, our time with her and cherish the individual impact she had on people in her life. She made people feel special!

Love you Momma,

Danielle

Friends and family are invited to services in remembrance of Dana L. Filippello.

*Wake: Monday Jan.15th from 4pm -8pm at Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles at 405 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174.

*Funeral: Tuesday Jan.16th at 10:30am at St Patrick Catholic Church at 400 Cedar St, St. Charles, IL 60174.

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