Dana Lydia Lott

Dana Lydia Lott, 40, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully at Duke’s Hock Family Hospice Pavilion on May 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after being diagnosed five years ago with cancer. She is survived by her husband Keith, her five-year-old daughter Savannah Grace, her mother Kathy West, her sister Emily Humbert, her father Dennis Humbert and stepmother Pam Humbert, and sisters Bailey Poole and Morgan Humbert. Dana will be forever loved and remembered by her family and all who knew her.

Dana devoted her life to helping others as a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy at Duke University Hospital. She also contributed her expertise to the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and the Compassionate Care Conference, speaking on topics like compassion fatigue. Dana’s impact on her patients and colleagues was profound and lasting.

A lifelong learner, Dana graduated from Stamford High School and earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University. She went on to receive her doctorate in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University and completed her residency at NYU Langone Hospital. At Duke University Hospital, Dana helped create the Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program, furthering her commitment to education and mentorship in her field.

Dana was also a dedicated triathlete, competing at a high level and continuing her passion for the sport even during pregnancy and after her cancer diagnosis.

Dana’s heart for service extended far beyond her profession. She cycled cross-country with Bike and Build to raise funds for affordable housing, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity (where she loved working on rooftops), and traveled to Haiti to offer medical help to communities in need.

Creativity and joy were woven into Dana’s everyday life. She loved crafting, creating with her hands, cooking, gardening, music, and had a special place in her heart for dogs. Say hi to your dog for Dana! Dana’s gift was how she made people feel – welcomed, loved, and deeply cared for, often with an unforgettable hug and signature laugh.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Through her church homes – First Congregational Church of Stamford, Stanwich Church in Greenwich, and NewHope Church in Durham – she served on mission trips, prayer teams, and cherished every opportunity to help and connect with others. Dana faced her final days with grace, gratitude, and peace – finding comfort in knowing she would soon be with Jesus.

Dana’s leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her.

In honor of Dana’s lifelong passion for learning, a GoFundMe ( https://gofund.me/0ae12a5e ) has been created to support Savannah’s future education. Dana’s spirit will continue to live on through Savannah, and we invite those who wish to honor her memory to contribute.

Two services to celebrate Dana’s life are planned in Durham, NC and Greenwich, CT. The details are as follows:

Friday, June 20, 2025 3:00 pm NewHope Church 7619 Fayetteville Road Durham, North Carolina 27713

Saturday, June 28, 2025 11:00 am Stanwich Church 202 Taconic Road Greenwich, Connecticut 06831