Dana Rae Armstrong

Dana Rae Armstrong (Dana Banana) died at peace in her home, on hospice after a lifetime of living through chronic illnesses. She is survived by her life partner Robin Wallace, daughter Megan Taylor Sutton, son-in-law Samuel Sutton, brother Jack Armstrong, sister-in-law Connie Armstrong, brother Mark Armstrong, sister-in-law Kathy Armstrong, cousin Joyce Traenkner, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her mother Elsie Armstrong, father Lester Armstrong, and son Zachary Taylor. Dana began her life in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. She loved her immediate and extended family, cheerleading, lifeguarding, water skiing, and fast cars. Her employment years there included etching parts for NASA. Later, she lived in a community where she was a friend and neighbor to golfer Arnold Palmer. In her twenties, she moved to New York for a few years and worked in dentistry. Dana later returned to Pennsylvania to raise her children in idyllic State College. They were her priority, and she provided them with advocacy, community, and extended family. She cherished Scrabble games with her dear friend and neighbor, Beth Dum. Dana also loved gardening and kept a beautifully landscaped yard, was an avid baker, volunteered at the Women's Resource Center and sang with the Presbyterian church choir. She discovered a love for running alone at dawn in her late forties, completing five miles a day. Most of her last three decades were spent in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. During the earlier part of that time, Dana made the most of exploring the Harrisburg area, including running along the waterfront at the Susquehanna River, various music concerts with Megan, yard sales, local shops, annual Fire Expo with Zach, National Civil War Museum membership, and events at City Island and Riverfront Park with Robin. She loved her blue cars and the freedom to drive - skirt, scarf, jewelry, keys, ready to go! As injuries and chronic illnesses limited her mobility, Dana focused on quieter activities at home such as crosswords, sitting on the balcony, time with family, and friendships with neighbors. And always, there were cats; lots of cats. Through it all, Dana identified as a "Boomer", a progressive thinker who got things done and pushed others to do their best, creating unique relationships. Those who read this will remember their own personal experience of Dana Banana, and that is how she wanted it to be. Please do not contact the family at this time, as they have asked for privacy. As per Dana’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to your local animal rescue shelter.

Dana Rae Armstrong

September 9, 1946 - August 28, 2023