Dana Marie Ludwig, beloved, cherished, respected, and deeply loved, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, at the age of 49, with her devoted husband by her side. Dana was born on March 8, 1976, in Akron, Ohio. Where she lived her entire life and built a legacy of love, faith, and family that will endure forever.

Dana was the treasured daughter of Leonard Ludwig and the late Loretta Ludwig (née Mehen). She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend-a woman whose presence lit up every room and whose heart was truly made of gold. To know Dana was to feel warmth, kindness, and joy. She was a saintly soul: generous, loving, wise, cheerful, spirited, and endlessly nurturing.

Dana graduated from Ellet High School in 1994 and dedicated her life to her family as a devoted homemaker, placing her loved ones at the very center of her world. Her greatest pride and accomplishment was raising her four children and sharing a beautiful life with her husband, John Christy, to whom she was married for 25 loving years. She found immense joy in being part of her grandchildren's lives, embracing every moment with boundless love and enthusiasm.

Dana is survived by her loving husband, John Christy; her sons, Leonard (Kylee) Ludwig II and Sean Christy; her daughters, Kaitlin (Josh) Christy and Maeve (Jahleel) Christy; her cherished grandchildren, Chloe and Oliver Ludwig; her father, Leonard Ludwig; and her sister, Megan Ludwig. She was a devoted Irish Catholic whose faith guided her life and shaped her compassion for others.

An avid recreational photographer, Dana had a special eye for capturing life's beauty-especially the moments shared with family. She also shared a deep love of Irish step dance, a passion she joyfully bonded over with her sister Megan and daughters Kaitlin and Maeve. Dana gave countless volunteer hours to her children and their schools, serving through the PTA and lunch service, always quietly giving of herself without hesitation.

Dana's home was a place of celebration and acceptance, especially during her favorite seasons-Halloween and Christmas. She was famous for her massive decorations, joyful parties, and endless home-cooked meals lovingly prepared for family and friends. Her home, like her heart, was always open.

She will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family and friends, her proud heritage and deep faith, her warm and radiant smile, and her extraordinary gift for nurturing everyone around her. Dana was full of life, full of love, and full of grace-and the world is profoundly dimmer without her light.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Dunn Quigley Funeral Home, 811 Grant Street, Akron, Ohio.

Dana's love lives on in all who were blessed to know her, and her memory will be carried forward in every life she touched.