Memories of Dani

(form to share a memory is at bottom of page)

Danelle, my big sister, took me to my first movie, Mary Poppins. We took the bus to a theater in downtown Grand Rapids. I was three-years-old. Dani was 15 years older than me, and during those first three years of my life she was more like a mom than a sister. There are dozens upon dozens of photographs of her holding me, feeding me, rocking me to sleep. Photos of her taking me sledding with my two older brothers, fraternal twins, who were almost three years younger than she and twelve years older than me. Photos of us together building sand castles on the Lake Michigan shore at Pentwater where our parents rented a cottage in the summers.

My sister had the biggest, most loving heart of anyone I have ever known, matched only by her huge, bright smile and her wide, warm brown eyes. She loved children and animals, all people from all walks of life. I know it is a cliche to say so, but she was truly beautiful, both inside and out. She loved music and she had a lovely singing voice. She sang professionally at weddings and funerals and with the Grand Rapids Civic Theater. She sang at my wedding. She was a devoted member of both Sweet Adelines and of her beloved church choir.

I love her with all my heart.

Melinda Simon, Sister

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I have so many awesome memories of Dani, I don't know which one to share!!! Dani was beautiful inside and out. If you ever needed someone to listen, help, share she was the one. She helped me out in times of trouble and in joy. I will always miss her smile, laugh and spirit.

Dawn Bassett, Friend

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Dani was my closest cousin, our birthdays were a year and a day apart. As an only child, my cousins were like my siblings in many ways... Celebrating birthdays and holidays together! (We even sang carols door to door several Christmases.)

Dani and I shared the love of music and oldies, and would often breakout in harmony when some word or event would trigger a "song connection". (She WAS the lyric champion.) Dani was a bridesmaid at my wedding over 50 years ago and was also in charge as my hairdresser. She had that talent, too.

One of many childhood memories was a summer vacation spent in Pentwater, MI. One of the days we spent too much time in the sun! 

Dani's favorite color, as I remember it, was yellow. At her high school graduation party, the punch was Mt. Dew, because it was the perfect shade!

There are so many ways that Dani and I were connected that I could go on and on. I will miss her and pray she is resting in the arms of her Savior. When she left us, she took a part of me with her.

Kathy Pratt, Cousin

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Dani was always such a loving person and was just overflowing with love and joy. I am so, so terribly saddened to hear of her passing.

Becky Robson-Hansma, Friend

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Dani was "mom" to a lot of us Gethsemane kids. She will be missed. Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers to you both. I can see our mom's talking over coffee after she was welcomed to her eternal rest.

Angela Davis, Friend

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As a child, my mom always made me feel safe. To me, she held the world together.

Nate Kauffman, Son

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