Obituary of Dana Koren Jolley

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Dana Koren Jolley on February 2, 2024, where she was surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Dana will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Thomas; children, Codye, Talia; mother, Dorothy; brother, Steve; her beloved dog, Isla; and numerous other family members and close friends. Dana is predeceased by her father, Clifford; and the many pets she loved and cared for over her life. 

Born in Winnipeg, Dana spent her early years in Charleswood before moving to Lorette, Manitoba in her teens. Dana and Thomas met and married in Winnipeg. 

Dana, her husband and children moved to Maple Ridge, BC for several years before finally moving to Waterloo, Ontario. Dana began her working career in group homes and day programs, where she loved to support and encourage individuals with disabilities. After moving to BC, Dana focused on her family and stayed home to raise her children, cherishing this time with the kids in their early years. After moving to Waterloo, she went back into the workforce and had great success, most recently as a Retail Store Manager.

Dana had a caring, intuitive, and beautiful spirit. She was strong, a fighter in many aspects of her life, and was always willing to help others in need. She was born with cerebral palsy, but never let that hold her back. She faced many obstacles, but always faced them head on. Her memorable statement was “I can do everything you can do,” and never backed away from any challenge.

Dana loved to travel with her husband. They travelled to many places, some of her favorites being Paris, Hawaiian Islands (Maui, Kauai), the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Croatia (specifically Korčula). Dana loved animals, to the point of jumping out of a moving car to help a stray dog. She surrounded her family with many pets throughout her life and was always looking to adopt or foster any animal that would need her help. She also loved interior decorating and design, developing many projects for her family and friends.

Special thanks to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Freeport Hospital Palliative Care, and Grand River Hospital, especially the GRH 6th floor team who gave her strength and courage during this past year.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Forest Hill United Church, 121 Westmount Road, Kitchener, Ontario, at 1:30 p.m. A private family service will take place in Winnipeg this summer.

Flowers will be graciously accepted. Condolences to the family and donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation (Cancer Care) can be arranged through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, at 519-745-8445 or through www.erbgood.com .