Danielle “Danni” Steuermann passed away peacefully the morning of March 26, 2018, at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Wash. She battled quietly and courageously with 4th 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.
Danni was born on June 9, 1973, in Aberdeen, Wash. Growing up in Cosmopolis, Wash., she was always “Daddy’s little girl.” Danni graduated from Aberdeen High School and later studied at Whatcom Community College where she received an Associates degree. A lifelong learner, Danni then attended Western Washington University receiving a bachelors degree in Psychology, followed by three degrees from Evergreen State College which included a bachelors in Native American Studies, a bachelors in Education and finally a master’s in Teaching.
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, Wash. Danni obtained her foster care license and remained the loving mom of Nicholas Gardener and Renea Romine 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 and she 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 and she believed in them even when they struggled to believe in themselves. Her students describe her as the best teacher they have had, with a motivating spirit, she was filled with fun and friend to all, the mother they never had, a second mom, and a mentor. She was trusted, loved and admired by all.
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 and 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 and you couldn’t help sharing in her excitement. She was passionate about designing new and exciting ways to teach and motivate her students. Danni had a positive drive for healthy living, trying new nutrition and exercise regimens, and managing her cancer care with traditional and alternative treatments.
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 and brother-in-law Greg Kiser, her cherished foster children Nicholas Gardener and Renea Lynn Romine and her beloved Shar Peis, Mini Blu and Lil Poundcake. Danni married Tim Ventura in 2000 and they later divorced.
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 Celebration of Life will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. on April 27, 2018, at Interagency Academy, 3528 Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Southeast Academy 3528 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118.
