Danica Hélène Brockwell, so loved and cherished, passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2022, at age 26 at her home in St-John’s Newfoundland. A celebration of life will take place at the Beechwood Cemetery & Funeral Home on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 10:30 A.M.
Danica was born on May 3, 1996, in Ottawa, Ontario to Nicole Somers and Stephen Brockwell, partners in arms in many of Danica’s adventures. Proud sister of Mathieu Barbeau (33) with whom she loved to play sock forts, have philosophical debates and share in Christmas cooking. Proud sister-in-law of Chloé Barbeau whom she taught how to crochet and loving aunt to Philippe (2 ½ yrs) and Claire (8 mos). Beloved stepdaughter of Gwendolyn Guth and stepsister of Joshua (26), Matthew (21) and Christopher (20).
Predeceased by her grandparents Glenda McRae & David Brockwell and Hélène Somers. Family history was meaningful to Danica akin to a forest of ancestral trees. Danica loved her Sudbury family; niece of Diane Somers, John Somers, Line Somers and Clint Haggart and cousin of Steven, Alexandre, Ashley, and Lauren. Danica loved her MacRae grandmother’s fierce love of the land and shared her passionate care for all living things.
Danica moved to St-John’s Newfoundland to pursue university studies in Biology and fell in love with the ocean. She was employed with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on a path to “saving the world”.
There was so much to Danica. Danica, the visual artist, the photographer, the musician, the philosopher, the reader of books, the collector, the scientist, the adventurer, the explorer, the hiker, camper, list maker, debater, environmentalist, activist, animal lover, plant lover, mediator, knitter, embroiderer, yogi, athlete, caregiver, lover of this planet and lover of all beings. Danica was a kind and caring soul who was very thoughtful about her family, friends, and colleagues. She has been described as a brilliant wonder human destined for amazing things, having left us far too soon.
Danica was full of promise, vision, aspiration, and integrity; she possessed a rare understanding of the interconnections between humanity and the ecosystems we depend on. To paraphrase one of the harbormasters she worked with, Danica uniquely balanced her passion for keeping the ocean clean while respecting the families who depend on the ocean for their livelihood. The planet is impoverished by the passing of one of its future champions.
Danica died a loved and important young woman. She will be remembered as a free spirit. She will be deeply mourned by her family and by so many dearest friends in Ottawa and in St-John’s. We will miss you sorely, sweetie. To quote one of her friends, we love you rivers and oceans.
Nicole and Stephen would like to thank all those who instructed, befriended, and loved her. They are grateful to so many people for the care and support they provided and for the enrichment of Danica’s life.
In honor of Danica’s passion for ecology and social justice issues, we ask that, in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to the following.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland
The Ottawa International Writers Festival, where an annual book award for writing about ecology will be established in Danica’s name.
Digital Guestbook
Shawn, Staunene, and Sheryl at Clean Harbours Initiative NL
Sylvie Ménard (Service de probation, 1988-2005)
Nicole, je te souhaite ainsi qu’à ton conjoint, famille et amis, mes plus sincères condoléances. Mes pensées et prières vous accompagnent pendant cette période difficile. Que l’âme de votre fille repose en paix. Bon courage à vous.
Martine Richer
Quelle triste nouvelle. Je n’ai pas de mots. Mes plus sincères condoléances à toi, Nicole, et à toute ta famille pour cette immense perte. ❤️
Sharon Bond
My heart aches for all you at this very sad time. My sincere condolences to all of you for your loss.
Tim J. Askew
Dear Nicole, beyond my own deep and personal sympathy and sorrow on Danica's sudden passing- our heartfelt condolences to you and all of Danica's family and friends - Tim, Christopher, Nick, Becky and little Logan
'May dark grief flower with hope '(borrowed from John O'Donahue) as you always remember how she blossomed so brightly in your lives and inspired others
God's peace and blessings to you all ?
Penny Arp
Dearest Nicky
So sorry to to learn of the loss of your precious daughter. My prayers are for you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs, Penny Arp
Carole Cardinal
Dear Nicole,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your daughter. I do recall you speaking so lovingly of her. I reviewed her obituary and what beautiful words and description of all her passions. You have much to be proud of the wonderful woman you raised. What an unimaginable loss for you and your family.
Janet Lefebvre
Dear Nicole and Stephen,
I am filled with sorrow at the loss of your cherished Danica. Please accept my heartfelt condolences - so deep a grief and yet so much beauty to celebrate today, and remember forever. With love, Janet
Garret krenbrink
I'm so sorry. I won't ever forget you.
Katie Morrissey
I am sad to say that I only learned of Danica's passing today. I worked at DFO with her in Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's). She was a breath of fresh air in a government setting, with her great big smile and save the world attitude. I was lucky enough to have grabbed a beer with her one evening at the Ship Pub. I got to introduce her to some of my outside-of-work pals and I felt proud to know her. The world is a less beautiful place with Danica in it. My heart goes out to her family and friends - truly. You will be missed, girl.
We are so very sorry to hear of Danica's passing. Although we had only just begun to work together on our ghost gear project, her enthusiasm and passion for the ocean shone through - even on a zoom call. We appreciated her encouragement and support for the work we were trying to do, as well as her kindness, patience and understanding. A very special human gone all too soon; please accept our heartfelt condolences.