Danjean Ripper Savage

Danjean “Dana” “DJ” Ripper Savage, 82, of Lancaster, PA, formerly of Butler, PA and Waukegan, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Dana moved to Lancaster in 2016, bringing with her a lifetime of experiences, accomplishments, friendships, and stories that reflected her adventurous spirit and determination to make a difference wherever life took her.

Born in Pittsburgh on June 21, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Blanche (McGeary) and Daniel Henry John Ripper. Dana was a proud daughter of her Ripper and McGeary heritage and carried that pride throughout her life.

Dana was the beloved wife of Kenneth I. Savage, with whom she shared almost 37 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with family, business ventures, community involvement, and countless projects. She was the devoted mother of Melana Cavenecia, and dedicated stepmother of Drew Savage, Scott Savage, and Margaret Meiries, and a loving grandmother to her nine grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sister, Marcia Richards. She is survived by her sister, Rosalyn R. Ward, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dana earned two degrees: a B.S. in Zoology from Penn State and a M.A.S.S. in Applied Social Science from Western Reserve.

Dana dedicated approximately 50 years of her professional life to social work, specializing in work with children and families, including custody, adoption, court hearings, and family relationships. Her career took her across West Virginia, Ohio, California, Oklahoma, and Illinois, where she worked tirelessly to help children and families navigate difficult circumstances.

Her commitment to helping others extended well beyond the United States. Dana spent two years supervising social workers in Hong Kong, where she helped address the social challenges created by the large immigration of non-communist Chinese into Hong Kong. She approached each new challenge with intelligence, determination, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those around her.

Dana was also an accomplished entrepreneur. She created and operated a worldwide airplane parts brokerage. Together with Kenneth, she also operated Coal Technical Services. The couple purchased six homes and renovated them into rental properties for Chicago commuters, creating another successful business venture.

Her connection to Waukegan, Illinois, was particularly meaningful. Dana participated in numerous city rebuilding and recovery projects and became well known and respected among the residents of the community. She was even nominated to run for mayor but ultimately chose not to pursue the position. Her involvement in the community was never simply about holding a title; it was about finding ways to make Waukegan a better place for the people who called it home. She was also a driving force for preserving the Carnegie Library in Waukegan and the Lake County Renters Association.

Dana continued to be involved in her community after moving to Lancaster. She was a member of Hempfield United Methodist Church and remained interested in the people and causes around her, volunteering with children, people experiencing homelessness, and the elderly.

Outside of her professional and community accomplishments, Dana had a creative side that brought her great joy. She was a talented artist, creating watercolor paintings of flowers. Her artwork reflected the same appreciation for beauty and individuality that she brought to the rest of her life. She sang her whole life, especially enjoying her time in the choir of Joy Lutheran Church in Illinois. In every city she visited, she made time for museums and cultural events.

As an energetic and curious person, she was always up for an adventure or making new friends. Her travels extended throughout Asia and Europe. A fun-loving conversationalist with a quick wit, she never missed a potluck or party.

Dana lived a full and varied life. She was a social worker, entrepreneur, community advocate, businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, painter, and proud member of the Ripper family and “Ripper Sister” trio. She was never afraid to take on something new, build something from the ground up, or stand up for something she believed was important. Her life touched many communities and many people, and the stories of her adventures, accomplishments, and the people she helped will continue through those who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA. Family and friends will be received from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Eagle Commons, Woodcrest Villa, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Dana’s name, to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory.