Dana Lee Gainey passed away suddenly on January 9, 2026, at the age of 64.
Her husband, Keith, was the love of Dana's life-and she was the love of his. Their story began long before marriage, with a teenage crush that grew into dating and became a lifelong commitment when they married in 1987. They were genuine soulmates and best friends, the couple who finished each other's sentences and faced everything together. Through years of serious medical challenges, Keith never once left Dana's side. Not for a moment.
Dana was a devoted mother to her two sons, Kory and Travis, and nothing made her prouder than being their mom.
In September 2025, Dana became a grandmother-her most cherished role of all. Her granddaughter, Lilah Rose, was her entire heart. After Lilah was born, she was all Dana talked about-the light that kept her fighting. Being "GiGi" wasn't just a title; it was her purpose.
Dana is survived by her husband, Keith Gainey; her sons, Kory Gainey (Audrey Klepadlo) and Travis Gainey; and her granddaughter, Lilah Rose Gainey, daughter of Kory and Audrey.
She is also survived by her siblings: Thomas (Tom) Knight (Elizabeth Richter), and niece Rhonda Hausermann (Knight) (Kevin); Daniel (Dan) Knight; and Diane Tew (Knight) (Tom), and her niece Anneke Knight. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Knight (Burns), widow of James (Jim) Knight, and by her nephew Andrew Knight and niece Karen Knight. Dana is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Kevin Gainey (Lena) and Dale Gainey, and her sister-in-law, Kellie Gainey. Dana leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whom she loved genuinely. Dana also leaves behind her beloved fur baby, Kaya.
Dana was preceded in death by her parents, Myron "Nip" Knight and Mary Jo Knight (Fisher); her brother, Jim Knight; and her in-laws, Marvin Gainey and Marcia Kozlowski.
Dana graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School in 1979 and earned her bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Eastern Michigan University. She spent most of her life in Ann Arbor and later Saline, where she and Keith raised their family.
Dana devoted her career to the family business, Knight's Vending, where she was instrumental to operations. In 2018, they moved to Bradenton, Florida, where they built a close community of friends who welcomed them with open arms. Their retirement years there were some of the happiest of her life.
Dana's life was marked by extraordinary spirit. Through many medical challenges, she met setbacks with grit, stubborn determination, and a soft smile that somehow never left her face.
Dana was spunky - feisty, really - warm, and loyal. She never met a stranger, and friendships came easily and authentically. She was creative, with a true artist's soul. Dana enjoyed playing cards with friends, walking the beaches, golfing, playing Mah Jongg with her girls, and her monthly book club-really, she just loved being with her people.
Above all else, Dana loved fiercely. She loved Keith. She loved her sons. She loved being GiGi. And she loved life-fully, loudly, fiercely, and without reservation. She gave meaning to the word courage.
Respecting Dana's wishes, no funeral service will be held. A private burial with immediate family will take place at a later date in Michigan.
