Danielle “Danni” Steuermann

MY CASTLE – MY RULES

Danielle Steuermann

06/09/1973-03/26/2017

Danielle “Danni” Steuermann

Danielle “Danni” Steuermann passed away peacefully the morning of March 26t h 2018 at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA. She battled quietly and courageously with end stage cancer. Never faltering in her hope, positive attitude and healthy lifestyle, she remained a beacon of strength to her family, friends and students to whom she so unselfishly dedicated her life.

DDanni was born on June 9, 1973 in Aberdeen, WA. Growing up in Cosmopolis, WA, she was always “Daddy’s little girl.” Danni graduated from Aberdeen High School and later studied at Whatcom Community College where she received her Associates Degree. A lifelong learner, Danni then attended Western Washington University, completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by three degrees from The Evergreen State College–a Bachelor’s in Native American Studies, Education, and then a Master’s in Teaching.

Danni met her husband, Tim Ventura, at age 19 and they dated for many years before marrying in 2000. They remain close despite having divorced after several years of marriage. Danni later met Amy Goodman, and for 10 years she and Amy enjoyed boating, traveling, good food and parenting their three Shar Peis.

Danni’s chosen career was serving At-Risk Youth. She worked as a counselor at Brentwood Girls’ group home, taught at The Northwest School of Innovative Learning at Fairfax Hospital, and then the Interagency Academy, Southeast, in Seattle, WA. Danni also obtained her foster care license and remained the loving mom of Nicholas and Renea until her death.

Danni dedicated her life to the youth she served and the foster kids she parented, often sacrificing her needs to be there for her students, family, and those she loved. She was passionate, dedicated, genuine, and funny. Her students appreciated her sense of humor–Danni often walked around the school saying “My castle, my rules.” She was considered a warrior, counselor, mentor and an outstanding educator who motivated and pushed her students. She believed in them even when they struggled to believe in themselves. Her students describe her as the best teacher they’ve had, motivating, fun with a great sense of humor, a friend, the mother they never had, a second mom, and a mentor. She was trusted, loved and admired.

Danni continued to prioritize the needs of her students, friends and family even after her diagnosis of cancer in Spring of 2017. From her hospital bed she taught, counseled, soldiered and mentored her beloved students. Danni was determined to push through cancer treatment to attend her students’ 2017 graduation ceremony – something they will always remember with heartfelt appreciation. Co-workers and students alike knew what a remarkable person Danni was. Years after students moved on, Danni kept in touch–continuing as their cheerleader, mentor, rock of support. She helped many to continue their education, get a job, find housing or anything else they needed.

Danni’s enthusiasm was contagious – you couldn’t help sharing in her excitement. She was passionate about designing new and exciting ways to teach and motivate her students. She also delighted in buying thrift store items and selling them on EBay; for that she will be remembered by Drag Queens in the Midwest. Danni had a positive drive for healthy living, trying new nutrition and exercise regimens, and managing her cancer care with traditional and alternative treatments.

A truly unique and gifted person that one friend described as “a Living Saint,” Danni was a positive influence on all who met her; she had the ability to make you believe you can accomplish anything.

Danni’s amazing and contagious spirit will live on in the many lives she influenced and touched. She is survived by her mother Janet Steuermann; father Danny Steuermann; brother Jason Mero; brother-in-law Greg Kiser; her cherished foster children Nicholas Garder and Renea Lynn Romine; her beloved Shar Peis’ Mini Blu and Lil Poundcake, and her girlfriend Kimberly Crocker.

Daw-Kee-Aim Daw-Tsi-Taw

Great Spirit, now I pray to you
Great Spirit, hear me
My Soul is weary
Now I pray that your spirit Will dwell in me.

**Native American Prayer

 

A viewing will be held Thursday, March 29th from 2-6pm at Barton Funeral home.  11630 Slater Ave. NE. Suite 1A.  Kirkland, WA 98084

In lieu of flowers please donate to Southeast Academy  3528 S. Ferdinand St.  Seattle, WA  98118