Danica Brockwell

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 St-John’s Women’s Centre

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.