Dana Jean McCarius

Dana Jean McCarius, age 55, of Sterling Heights, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.

Dana was bigger than life and had a way of lighting up every room she entered. She had an incredible love for people and animals, and everyone who knew her loved her. Above all, Dana loved Jesus with all her heart. Her beautiful spirit, warmth, and love for others will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dana was born on July 14, 1971, in Flint, the daughter of David McCarius and Nancy Jean Hynd. From the very beginning, she was a beautiful little girl. She graduated from Swartz Creek High School with high honors and received a scholarship to Michigan State University, where she earned her degree in engineering with honors.

Dana began her career working for Kroger but soon discovered her love for children and decided to pursue a career in education. She attended the University of Michigan, where she earned a master's degree in education. After several rewarding years of teaching, Dana returned to engineering, combining her intelligence and dedication in a successful career. She worked for Cognizant for many years as an engineer with Ford Motor Company, where she received glowing reviews and was loved and appreciated by her colleagues.

While Dana excelled in her professional life, her greatest passion was her love for animals. She rescued two dogs, Piper and Eddy, who brought her much joy, and shared her home with Callie, her beloved 18-year-old cat. Dana dreamed of having a big farmhouse with plenty of land where she could care for and rescue many more animals.

She is survived by her mother, Nancy; her brother, John (Lauren) Walter; her nephew, Will; her nieces, Maddie and Claudia; her aunts, Mary, Nancy, and Judy; and her cousins, Lisa, Brian, and Brent. She was preceded in death by her father, David McCarius.

The family would especially like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Tom, Mark, Jen, Phyllis, and the entire team of doctors and nurses at the Karmanos Cancer Institute for their kindness, compassion, and care.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com