Dana Louise Trattner, of South Portland, Maine, 73, passed away on November 15, 2024, in Portland. Dana was born in New York City on May 7, 1951, the daughter of George G. Trattner and Justine M. (Young) Trattner.
Dana grew up in New Rochelle, NY, and received her BFA from Syracuse University and her MS in Education from Leslie University. Dana worked a full career as a Special Educator and School Librarian in several towns in Massachusetts and Maine.
Throughout her life she was a dedicated and talented fine artist. She used brilliant colors in unusual combinations. Her landscape work was sweeping and gestural, portraying the natural world flowing in energetic forms dancing together. Dana was a member of Al Waterman's Portland Atelier group for many years. Her portraits and nudes show unique figurative distortion with mastery of line and unusual color harmonizing. Her work is collected nationally and internationally. Dana constantly expressed her creativity, often using found materials from Maine's beaches and parks to make playful sculptures and temporary installations.
Dana was an avid gardener. Though she tried her hand with vegetables with mild success, her true passion was flowers. She planted flowering annuals and perennials along the walkways and yard and tended her gardens lovingly.  The flowers were admired by passers by and she was always happy to engage in conversation with a neighbor.
Dana was an activist who marched and organized for justice throughout her life. She was a unique spirit, and saw the overwhelming beauty in the world and in people. Her generous heart was present in all that she did, and she embodied the spirit of love. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and friend that any of us could ask for. She will be greatly missed, and we will think of her always. Any time we look out at the ocean waves, or pick up a heart-shaped rock, or laugh ourselves to tears, we know Dana is with us.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey A. Stevensen; son Reid T. Stevensen, wife Jennifer Stevensen and Granddaughter Cadence V. Stevensen; and daughter Gina L. Stevensen.