Obituary

Danielle “Dani” Gabriel, age 38, reached the end of her journey in this life on September 13^th 2020 at home with her family and her loyal pup by her side.

Dani was born April 27, 1982 in Anchorage, Alaska to Ann Nordquist and Bill Gabriel. As a military brat, her spark for adventure was kindled by frequent traveling and moving at a young age. At the age of 4 she was promoted to the role of big sister when her brother Brendan arrived. A few years later, two sisters joined the pack and an unbreakable bond was formed between the 4. Many memories were made when they lived in California where Dani developed a love for adrenaline rushes riding rollercoasters and playing the waves at the beach.

Eventually Dani settled down with her family in Bellingham, WA. During her senior year of high school, Dani faced tragedy after a head on car collision where she suffered a major brain injury. Despite the odds, she overcame this challenge and proudly graduated with her class from Sehome High School in 2000. Her spark for adventure continued immediately after high school when she lived and worked at Yellowstone National Park, Steamboat Springs Ski Resort, and Sun Valley Ski Resort. A highlight of these adventures was playing pool with Robin Williams in Sun Valley, where they shared a night of laughter.

Another dream Dani had was to a become welder, specializing in pipe welding. She successfully graduated from the welding program at Bellingham Technical College in 2014. While attending college, Dani was 1 of 4 students chosen to go to Denmark to attend the welding program at a sister trade school for two weeks. This adventure included working in the Danish shipyards where she made many lifelong friends. With pride, she went on to work as a pipe welder throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Dani was a wild child who lived life to the fullest with her friends and family. You could often find her shaking her booty, cruising around blasting her favorite tunes, and going on spontaneous trips following her heart wherever it told her to go. She was a badass bitch that loved hard and had a passion for the outdoors and all the activities for every season (camping, hiking, snowboarding, etc). She loved her pup Sitka more than anything in the world and you would often find the two together at their favorite place, Paws for a Beer in Fairhaven.

Dani is survived by her mother Ann Nordquist; father, Bill Gabriel(Susan); siblings Brendan Gabriel(Amy), Ashley DeWees(Ben), Joey Gabriel(Kallie); stepsisters Carlin (Mike), Keara Sweitzer (Jordan); grandparents Grandma Margo, Grandpa Gabe, and Grandma Susie; she is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins that includes extended family and friends all over the world, and her sweet pup “Sitka Bear”. Dani was predeceased by her Grandpa Bruce; Grandma JoAnn; and Grandpa Bear.

A visitation for friends and family is scheduled from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Friday, September 18^th, 2020 at Moles in Bellingham, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org