Dana Lin Anderson

Dana Lin (Troeger) Anderson, 60, passed away surrounded by her loving family at her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her life partner of 14 years, Stephen ("Steve") Mallin, her mother, Carol Troeger, Cary, NC, her siblings, Debra Shoemaker of Champaign, IL, and Anthony (Monica) Troeger of Cary, NC, her sister-in-law, Judi Troeger of Falls Church, Virginia, Steve's mother, Margaret Mallin of Erie, PA, and Steve's five brothers, John (Marie) Mallin of Las Vegas, NV, James (Julie) Mallin of Ashland, KY, Thomas (Cecelia) Mallin of Temperance, MI, and Matthew (Jennifer) Mallin of Charleston, SC, as well as five nephews, one niece, and three great nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She is predeceased by her former husband, David Anderson (CWO3, USMC) of Richlands, NC, her father, John Troeger of Clayton, NC, her brother, David Troeger of Alexandria, VA, and her beloved Husky, "Sallie."
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1964, Dana moved with her family to Xenia, Ohio, and Urbana, Illinois in the 1970s. She graduated Urbana High School, class of 1982, and was married to David Anderson in 1990, with whom she traveled the world. They spent many years in Oahu, Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, and Naples, Italy, with their last station being Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC.
During this time, Dana discoverd the art of stained glass and produced many wonderful treasures cherished by her family, friends, and customers. She was grateful for the many lifelong friendships she had with other Marine Corps spouses. After her husband's passing, Dana moved to Morrisville, NC.
In 2011, Dana met Stephen Mallin, a gifted professional photographer, who remained her dedicated and loving life partner up until her passing. They, too, enjoyed traveling. Dana developed a love of gardening. With Steve's help, her home garden, bursting with colorful blooms and various hues of green, was developed into the most beautiful and peaceful sanctuary. In recent years, Dana became a practitioner of Qigong ("chee gong"), an ancient Chinese practice combining movement, breathing, and meditation to cultivate and balance qi (life force) within the body. It aims to improve health, increase vitality, and promote a sense of well-being. Dana loved that Steve supported and regularly joined her in practicing Qigong movements and meditations. She also loved her many friends who, like her, found solace in Qigong.
Dana was selfless and loving. She dedicated the last several years of her life to being the primary caregiver for her parents, John and Carol. After John passed away in 2023, she continued to help Carol maintain her independence until Dana was no longer healthy enough to do so. She remains a cherished part of a loving family and will live forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held for relatives and close friends at a time and location to be later determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.