With both sorrow and hope, we remember beloved Life Pacific University alumna and friend, Dana Holland Liberatore ’75. Dana was a faithful servant of Christ whose life reflected extraordinary hospitality, encouragement, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others flourish.
Only a few months ago, many in the LPU community gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Dana Holland Liberatore Welcome Center. It was a joyful and meaningful occasion, giving the university the opportunity to honor Dana while she was present to share in the moment. She was strong, charismatic, and resolute as she encouraged and embraced those in attendance.
One friend remarked that day, “Dana is a Welcome Center.” Those words captured the heart of a woman whose warmth, faith, and investment in others touched countless lives. Little did we know, this significant day would be Dana’s final public appearance.
On June 19, what would have been Phil and Dana’s 44th wedding anniversary, family, friends, ministry leaders, business professionals, alumni, and members of the broader global community gathered at Florence Avenue Foursquare Church to celebrate Dana’s life and the countless lives she impacted through her faith, generosity, and selfless service.
“It was an extraordinary time filled with story after story of Dana’s impact,” said President Angie Richey. “The sanctuary was full, and those who gathered left deeply inspired by a life and legacy so bravely lived.”
The remarkable gathering reflected the breadth and depth of Dana’s influence, bringing together people from across generations, vocations, and speres of ministry who had each been touched by her unwavering love for Jesus and her commitment to helping others.
The Celebration of Life service featured heartfelt tributes from family members, longtime friends, pastors, and renowned leaders whose lives had been shaped by Dana’s wisdom, hospitality, mentorship, and steadfast faith. One affectionately referred to her as “the greatest woman Los Angeles has ever known,” a fitting reflection of the immeasurable esteem and affection she inspired in all who knew her.
Son-in-law, David Maracine, shared a moving eulogy:
“To know Dana was to experience a rare combination of grace and grit. Today we gather to celebrate a life beautifully lived, fiercely loved, completely poured out for others. Dana Ann Liberatore was a woman of profound faith, deft discernment, sharp intellect, heartfelt generosity, and boundless warmth. Every room Dana walked into was brighter because of the Spirit of God she carried in her. On May 15, 2026, at the age of 73, Dana graduated into heaven, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that proves a life anchored in God can touch thousands upon thousands of souls across the globe.”
The caliber and diversity of those who came to honor and celebrate Dana’s life served as a powerful testimony to her far-reaching Kingdom impact. Over the course of two days, family, friends, leaders, and ministry partners reflected on Dana’s extraordinary life. Among those who shared were John Maxwell, John & Lisa Bevere, Rabbi Jason Sobel, Dominic & Amira Russo, and Bob & Annette Harrison. The celebration was marked by heartfelt worship, led in part by Chandler Moore and Sean Feucht.
Whether through personal encouragement, faithful friendship, philanthropic generosity, or her passion for Jesus and His people, Dana invested deeply in others, leaving a legacy that will continue to bear eternal fruit. Through Dana, people encountered the heart of Jesus; welcomed without condition, loved without partiality, and reminded that they were seen and deeply cherished by God.
While we grieve this tremendous loss, we also rejoice in the hope of Christ and give thanks for a life so beautifully lived. Dana’s life was one that consistently pointed others to Jesus and advanced His Kingdom in ways both seen and unseen. Her legacy will continue to shape Life Pacific University for generations to come. Every prospective student, family member, alum, and guest welcomed through the Dana Holland Liberatore Welcome Center will encounter a story of faith, generosity, and wholehearted devotion to Christ. Her influence will continue to be carried through each life touched and transformed on this campus.
“I am deeply moved with gratitude and humility to receive such an exquisite honor of the naming of the beautiful new welcome center. I will always remember the delight of destiny and purpose that I sensed when I walked through the welcome door of LIFE back in 1971. It is my earnest prayer that when future students, their parents and many friends walk through the doors of the Dana Holland Liberatore Welcome Center they will sense the presence and warmth of the Holy Spirit reaching out to embrace them with welcoming grace and purpose and empowerment!” ~ Dana Holland Liberatore
Learn more and celebrate Dana’s legacy:
- Dana Holland Liberatore Welcome Center Dedication Recap Video
- Full Chapel Service Video
- Dana Holland Liberatore Welcome Center Article
- Dana Liberatore Celebration of Life Service
Please continue to pray for Dana’s husband, Phil, and the entire Liberatore family. We are grateful for the assurance that Dana is now fully alive in the presence of Jesus, and we give thanks for the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
