Dana Bauer

With profound sadness, we share that Dana Bauer Hanson, also known as Dana Bauer, passed away on May 30, 2026 at the Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio at age 61. Dana fought a courageous four-year battle with metastatic renal cancer, and despite all challenges that brought in her final years, she was known to all as a curious, resilient, spiritual, and creative person.

Dana was born on August 7, 1964 in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1982 where she played on the tennis team and developed her musical talent by playing guitar and singing at church services. She attended Miami University, where she was a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority and earned a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration in 1986. After college, she briefly lived in Boston but ultimately settled in Chicago, always in pursuit of the best opportunities to build upon her growing career.

Dana married James A. Hanson in 1996 and raised a loving daughter, Mia L. Hanson in Geneva, Illinois. She balanced being a devoted mother while maintaining a successful career as an independent sales representative serving the architect and design community throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. After their marriage dissolved, Dana moved to the suburbs of Milwaukee during Mia's college years at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Five years ago, she proudly returned to Toledo, where she continued her career and was warmly welcomed home by family and friends.

Before her cancer diagnosis, Dana loved to stay active, especially in the outdoors. Skiing, biking, and hiking were her favorite activities, but she was willing to try anything that involved being in nature. She also enjoyed practicing yoga, finding peace and mindfulness through the discipline. Even after her diagnosis, Dana remained connected to the outdoors by creating a sanctuary on her apartment balcony, where she spent much of her time in her later years.

Dana had a plethora of creative interests throughout her life, and even at her most difficult moments of her cancer journey, she found comfort and healing through artistic expression. Some notable mentions are knitting Mia every winter accessory she could possibly need, making her own skincare products, and designing a line of crystal bead bracelets that had specific intentions.

Throughout her life, but more so in the last few years, she explored life's deepest questions through the lens of spirituality. She sought to understand the meaning of the human experience and her purpose on Earth. Through this journey of reflection, she continually returned to a desire to contribute to the greater good and make a positive impact on those around her.

One of Dana's most recent accomplishments, which she was particularly proud of, was serving as a Toledo Museum of Art Ambassador for more than two years. After returning to Toledo, she quickly developed a renewed appreciation for all the city had to offer, but the museum held a special place in her heart. She brought dedication, enthusiasm, and passion to every volunteer project in which she was involved.

Dana is survived by her daughter Mia L. Hanson; her parents, Richard J. and Carol A. Bauer, and her brother Douglas R. (Valorie) Bauer.

A celebration of Dana's life will be held at a later date so that all who loved her may gather to honor the beautiful life she lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toledo Museum of Art in Dana's memory. To honor the name by which she was known throughout the community, we ask donations may be designated in memory of Dana Bauer.