Obituaries

My heartfelt condolences to Danae's family. I grew up with Danae in the 2nd Ward, she was two years older than me, the same age as my older brother. Danae was stunning – blonde hair, a huge bright smile that would light up any room, a cheerleader, smart, popular and talented. She was the kind of girl that all the of the girls wanted to be! But if you got close enough to her for just a few minutes you would see that beyond her physical beauty, she was kind, gentle, sweet, compassionate. She was also so funny, silly, and so much fun to spend time with! Even though she was older than me, Danae very intentionally stepped into my life in a very special way - almost like a protective big sister when I was in middle school. I was going through a very hard time with friends, and just finding my way as a young girl. At this time when I was very low, it seems that the Lord must have put it on her heart to step in and be a special friend to me in that season where I was very lonely. She talked to me, invited me over to her house, to school football games, she seemed to see a worth and value in me that at the time I just couldn't see in myself. All these years later, even after losing touch as adults I have never forgotten her kindness, compassion, love, joy, and steadiness that seemed to just emanate from her. It blessed and impacted me so much just to be in her presence for that time in my life. I'm certain that her legacy of love, kindness, compassion, joy and laughter lives on in her children and those that were blessed to call her daughter, sister or friend.

Although I had not seen or talked to Danae in quite some time, the impact she had in my life is nothing short of memorable kindness, sweetest smile, and genuine care. I truly do not believe she had an ill or unkind thought about anyone or thing. There will be a void in many people’s lives but the work she will carry on doing will fill many others. To the Shill family, I will pray for peace and comfort, love and guidance as you go through this very hard time in your lives.