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Dana Louise Maravich

December 13, 1963 - December 30, 2025

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Obituary For Dana Louise Maravich

Dana Louise Maravich, the youngest of George and Joanne's children and our only sunshine "went home" to rest on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She will join those who preceded her, including our mom, dad, and brother, David.

A special child born into a ordinary family, Dana thrived when society expected her to fail. She was a testament to what a loving, nurturing environment could help someone achieve. She excelled at bowling and track events in the Special Olympics. She was a savant for family members' birthdays and word search puzzles. An Oldies fan, she sang loudly and off key, especially in the car with windows down. And, like many others, counted chocolate chips as one of her favorite cookies.

By all measures, Dana had a good life, exceeding all the life expectancy predictions of the experts, proving those that dared doubt her wrong. With her family's unwavering support, Dana's abilities far outweighed any disabilities associated with her birth diagnosis. Spend any time with her at all and her humor, wit and charm would have you laughing with her, never at her. No one laughed with her more than her favorite brother-in-law, Guy.

Dana is survived by her siblings, Darlene (Guy) Defebo, Daniel (Leppy), Debbie and the late David (survived by Donna) Maravich, along with her beloved nephews Michael and Brandon Maravich, Vincent (Leigh Anne) and Dustin (Megan) Defebo and niece, Leah (Lou) Jesiolkiewic. Her loving extended family includes, aunts, uncles, cousins, kumovi and friends.

If she could, Dana would thank Leppy and Darlene for their love and devotion. She would also thank the team from Gateway Hospice (Barb, Heather and Tina) who provided her care these past months.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 1-6 p.m. with a Pomen Service at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will continue in Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral on Monday from 10-11 a.m. where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations can be made to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Cemetery Fund, 450 Maxwell Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 or Best Buddies, PO BOX 5138, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. We kindly ask that you not send flowers or memorial items, but instead perform a random act of kindness in Dana's memory. It would mean so much to us to know that you were spreading sunshine in her honor.

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Condolences

  • January 22, 2026

    Natalie Lannon

    I have not seen Dana since i was a little girl. My grandma, Nancy Poremski, was one of the people in charge of "Monday Night Group" that me, my siblings & cousins used to attend with our grandma to help. Nancy passed last January. We send our deepest condolences to you all. May Dana rest in peace. We believe nancy welcomed her with open arms. Much love to all.

  • January 12, 2026

    Sissy

    I wasn't aware that Dana passed until after she was laid to rest. My heart is broken but I know she is with her mom and dad and David. I have so many wonderful memories of your family in Southside when we were neighbors. So much fun. My dad really loved her. Maybe she is seeing him again. I hope so. You guys took such great care of her and we all knew it. God Bless all of you and May Dana's Memory be Eternal. Love you all. Sissy Vignovich Krivacek❤️❤️❤️

  • January 04, 2026

    Matthew Cheran and Daniel Foust

    Vjecnaja Pamjat, cousin Dana! Sympathy to the Maravich cousins. Take comfort in knowing Dana's influence will be felt forevermore.

  • January 03, 2026

    Adam Hayden

    My deepest sympathies to you Dar, Guy, Vince, Dustin, and all of Dana's family, friends and loved ones. Sending you all a lotta hugs, peace and love. "Vjecnaja Pamjat" and love to you all. Adam, Beth, Luke and Samantha Hayden

  • January 03, 2026

    Deb Lopata

    Guy and Darlene. Please accept my sincere sympathy. It is evident that Dana was a blessed member of a very loving family that cherished her gifts. As a mother of a special needs daughter who has enhanced every aspect of our family life, I can emphasize with the depths of your loss. To know and share the laughter and love of our angels is an amazing privilege. May she rest in peace and may you take comfort in knowing what an incredible life she had with you. Deb Mitchell Lopata

  • January 02, 2026

    Dodo

    Please accept my sympathies on Dana's passing. I can never forget her warmth, candor and ease of laughter. She was surrounded by familial love that was palpable. May your memories bring smiles and solace. Vjecnaja Pamjaf

  • January 01, 2026

    Martha Ostoich Teshich

    My deepest sympathies to the entire Maravich and DeFabo families, I was never blessed to have met her but I know that special angels like Dana are put on this Earth to bring the meaning of love and innocence to all. Reading her obituary was proof of that. She seemed to have brought joy to all who she came into contact with. Her love and life was a gift to you all and her memory will forever be a lesson in what is truly important in our lives. May + Dana's memory forever be a blessing to all who knew her. My love is sent to you. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Martha Ostoich Teshich

  • January 01, 2026

    Terri Schessler Bodnar

    Heaven has gained a special angel, our dear sweet cousin, Dana. She touched everyone who knew her with her infectious humor and the best hugs ever! I will always cherish the memories of our family picnics and Christmas gatherings in years past. I know you are at peace in the loving arms of your parents and brother. Give Tom and Jean (Jinx) a big heavenly hug too!! Much love and prayers to you and your family 🙏💖

  • January 01, 2026

    Robin

    Dana, Dana, Growing up with you was a "great pleasure!" I will forever hold those memories in my heart until we meet again! ❤️ Love you Dana girl 🙏 Your favorite cousin Robin

  • January 01, 2026

    Lisa Zofchak

    My deepest sympathy to the entire Maravich family on Dana's passing. I had the wonderful opportunity once to meet her and her mom with Deb, at a Big Brothers and Big Sisters bowling event. May she rest in peace and fly with the angels.❤️🙏

  • January 01, 2026

    Ljubi and Bato

    How blessed Bat and I were to have known Dana! One of our first meetings was at Kennywood after our Nichole took her on the roller coaster and the two of them joined in a hilarious duet of cuss words !! Bat loved dancing with sweet Dana at Dustin and Megan's wedding. We loved seeing her and sharing in her laughter and humor. Heaven just welcomed an sngel who will bring such joy with her loved ones waiting for her embrace.. Her memory is a blessing to all who knew and loved her.❤️🌹😘🙏🏻

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