Celebrating the Life of
Lana Marie Mitzel
July 6, 1969 — December 30, 2024
Obituary
Lana Marie Mitzel
July 6, 1969 – December 30, 2024
Lana Marie Mitzel, a vibrant and creative soul, passed away on December 30, 2024. Born on July 6, 1969, she brought light, laughter, and life lessons to everyone who knew her.
Lana was a true firecracker—quick-witted, endlessly creative, and the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. Within minutes, strangers felt like old friends, sharing their stories with her as if they’d known her forever. Her gift for connection was extraordinary, and her wisdom was unparalleled, always ready with a life lesson for any situation.
A talented artist, Lana had a remarkable ability to create beauty in her world, though she never fully saw the magic of her own artistry. Her creative vision extended beyond art—her knack for putting things together left those around her in awe.
Lana found joy and love with her partner, Dean, who brought happiness and light into her life. Together, they shared laughter, adventures, and a love that she cherished deeply.
Lana leaves behind a legacy of love in her five children:
Dominic, with his wife Truc and their children, Josephine and Nic.
Doug.
Holly, with her husband Dallas and their daughter Ava.
Austin.
Emmy, with her husband Fernando and their children, Gus, Melo, and Winnie.
She also leaves her siblings Denise, Pam, Allison, and Mark, who were a cherished part of her life.
She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Lana’s creativity, wisdom, and love will continue to inspire those she leaves behind, reminding us to find beauty in the everyday and to cherish the connections we make along the way.
Details for a celebration of Lana’s life will be shared with family and friends soon.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
I am Krista, one of Lana's co workers from Anthropologie, and I just got sent this today from another co-worker. I wanted to share this video of Lana here because Ive looked at it so much since the day she passed. I had the pleasure of getting to interview and hire Lana to become apart of our Anthro team and she forever changed us the moment she came into our lives. She was the hardest working, feistiest, funny and most stylish person around. She came into work everyday with such a willing spirit to lift others up and help where ever needed. She was tiny but mighty in everything she did. I miss her so much and wish I could have said goodbye or still have her to laugh with at the craziness of work together but all I can think of is how grateful I was to have known her. She was a true joy and I am so sorry to her family having to go through this loss. What an honor it was to have known her and had her apart of my life and that I could be apart of hers.
We will remember Lana for her incredibly kind, and loving soul, her gorgeous smile, and the love & devotion that she had for her family. We are grateful to have known her. Our sincere sympathies to you all. ❤️
I only knew Lana for the past seven years and found her to be a vibrant, caring and genuinely funny. She always had a ready smile. From day one It felt like I knew her my entire life. She will be greatly missed. I share a memory that was precious to me and was also precious to Lana. This could be titled the spoon and the salt tray. A couple of years ago Lana, Pam and I went to an upscale restaurant that shall remain unnamed. As we reviewed the menu the wait staff brought out a salt tray that included white, pink, and black salt. Lana, with her wry smile, stated I have to have that. One we finished eating and with the wait staff out of sight I dumped the salt on my plate and pocketed the salt tray. Once the check was paid we dashed from the restaurant at which time I presented the tray to Lana. We laughed all the way to when we dropped her off. Courtesy of Amazon I had white, pink, and black salt delivered to Lana. The next day Lana sent me an audio recording of a memory dear to her. It turns out that years ago she noticed a tiny spoon in an antique store. She had no idea for what the spoon could be used. So it sat in her cutlery drawer. At last she had found a use for the spoon. She attached a picture of her latest treasure. This is the picture I attach to this memory. I am glad I never deleted her audio message as it lifts my spirits to hear her voice relating fun and happy experiences.
It's been one week since my moms passing and the hurt has not gotten any easier if anything a lot more painful as thoughts I would never thought I'd have keep racing my mind, seeing pictures of my mom happy or hearing anything anyone has to say means so much to me and I know so many others. Even if what you say is just a few words or a silly picture please post it here because I know myself and so many others would love to see it. 💖
I’m Deans youngest daughter Nicole. I feel so lucky that Lana was a part of our family. She will be missed beyond measure.
I’m Deans youngest daughter Nicole. I feel so lucky that Lana was a part of our family. She will be missed beyond measure.
I’m Deans youngest daughter Nicole. I feel so lucky that Lana was a part of our family. She will be missed beyond measure.
Dear Lana, From the moment Mom brought you home from the hospital, I loved you with all my heart. As a little girl, I dreamed of being a mother someday, but when you and Mark came into our family, I felt like all my dreams had come true. With two little ones to help care for, I couldn’t have been happier. I would push you in the stroller, feeling so proud to be your big sister. As you grew older, I treasured the hours spent making crafts together, playing house, and sharing all those simple joys that only sisters understand. You were never a “pesky little sister” to me; you were my companion, my best friend. As we both grew, I saw you struggle, as all teenagers do, and it broke my heart. The pain you faced left me feeling so helpless at times, because all I ever wanted was for you to be happy. When I got married, I loved having you over to help clean my apartment. We would spend the day tidying up, cooking meals, and laughing—just enjoying each other’s company. I always looked forward to those times. When Carina was born, you selflessly offered to care for her while I worked. I never once doubted that she was in good hands with you. Even though you had your own busy life with your family, you made sure to make time for us, and for that, I will always be grateful. I loved when your kids would come over while you and Bill worked weekends. It felt like one big, happy family. Those moments filled my heart with warmth, and I will forever cherish them. Lana, I always admired your insight. You had a way of cutting through the noise to see what others missed, to understand things that were often hidden. Your wit, your clever observations, and your spontaneous phone calls brightened my day in ways I can’t even describe. You left us far too soon, my dear sister, but I take comfort in the beautiful memories we shared. You’ve helped me grow, been there when I needed someone to lean on, and filled my life with laughter and love. I will carry those moments with me always. Though you’re gone from this earth, I know you’re needed in heaven, making things a little brighter up there, just as you did here. I know you’re reunited with Mom and Dad, and I find peace in knowing that someday, we’ll all be together again. I love you, Lana, always and forever. Pam
Thank you for being you, Mom! You were always thoughtful, warm and nice to everyone. We are sad because you are gone, but happy for you because we know you are in a better place now to look down for us. Be free and happy... 🕊️🕊️🕊️ We love you! You are always in our hearts! 💕 Goodbye Mom! 💕💕
Hello everyone, I’m Lana’s nephew. I had the opportunity to visit her last week at Anthropologie, where we enjoyed a heartfelt conversation, catching up on life and reflecting on how things change over time. We both agreed on the importance of making the best of situations and focusing on the positives in life. Lana appeared happy and in great spirits, expressing how much she loved Dean. I captured a photo during our visit that I’d like to share. This experience serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility; one moment someone is here, and the next, they may be gone. It’s comforting to know she is now with God, reunited with Grandma and Grandpa. Let this be a reminder to cherish your loved ones and those who matter most, as life is unpredictable, and we never know what may happen. With love, Chandler
I don’t have any photos readily available right now but she was such a light in the world. She was always so sweet, loving & caring and always made you feel comfortable, she also always made you laugh I am so thankful to get to be able to know her & she will be very missed! 🥹🦋
Send Gifts and Donations
Show your support by sending a sympathy gift or making a donation.
