Obituary of Nancy Danitz

Nancy Danitz April 25, 1937 - June 9, 2013 We celebrate our Mom, Grandmother, Sister and Friend; our cherished Matriarch of the family who treasured family gatherings and events with Jennifer, her children and siblings. Born in Buffalo New York, she married Bob in 1958 and mourned his early passing in 1991. Her children are devastated by her loss, yet realize she was blissfully reunited with her beloved partner on Sunday. After they moved to Florida in 1960, Mom and Dad were partners in their masonry business for over 30 successful years. She held the family and business together, just like the mortar of the countless homes and businesses they built together. Sons David and Jim worked shoulder to shoulder with Dad, and it shaped their lives in immeasurable ways. She took the EMT class with daughter Linda almost 30 years ago. Linda evolved into a skilled Paramedic and remains a leader active in Lee County. Together, they were best friends and shared many school events with Jennifer. Jennifer excels in music and Grandma proudly stomped & cheered at FSU games with her granddaughter 'Chiefs' marching on the field earlier this year. She instilled many gifts to Jennifer that will continue to touch her life long after her passing. Siblings Bernie [(w) Joy] and Franni [(h) Ward who passed in 2000], along with Doris [who passed in 2003] shared an uncommon bond over the years and despite geographic distances. Their kinship and friendship is a lesson to all our family members and they are the unifying connections we share, along with all our cousins. We appreciate the efforts of all the family who have shared time in past reunions, as these were defining family bonds for everyone. Her sibling's loss is palatable and we believe she spreads her arms around everyone, especially at this time. Mom was the Mrs. Doolittle to Dad's Mr. Doolittle. The neighborhood animals knew the safe abode of the Danitz home and she continued to rescue countless animals, from both the ground and sky. She even loved the Miami Dolphins. Likewise, warm memories of childhood friends are vivid with the images of the "counter candy store" and the fridge packed with sodas and popsicles. The sweets enticed the kids (and adults), yet long after the treats were gone, the house was always filled with the laughter and kinship of play and unconditional love. Her home, faith and stoic love was shared with everyone in the neighborhood. Despite her silent fear of water, she presented a resilient armor and was an avid fisherwoman, swamp buggy co-pilot and campground commando. The famed RV often went rattling down the highway with her at the wheel, loaded with kids, cousins and boat in tow, down to the Keys to enjoy lobster diving and Gulf frolicking. Her famously tenacious spirit and hair color stripe earned her the endeared nickname 'Honey Badger' and she lived up to the tough title, as she was extraordinarily resilient, especially in overcoming life's health challenges. Over the years, she had health issues and a kidney transplant in 1997 blessed us with another 16 years to enjoy with her. This amazing gift changed the family's life and we are grateful for every extra day. The family's loss of this amazing, graceful woman goes beyond what words could describe. Each of our fondest memories will help us through the valleys, and bring us back to the mountain tops she climbed all these years. We know our dear, sweet Mom is at peace, enjoying the view from high on her mountain top. Deeply loved, missed immensely, in our hearts forever; we love you, Mom. Mom loved flowers. However, as practical as she was, in lieu of your flowers, the family would like to honor Mom's favorite organizations. Below are a few of her favorites who help others 'pay it forward.' Your generosity is appreciated from both the two and four legged family members. The National Kidney Foundationhttps://www.kidney.org//members/source/donations/index.cfm?donation&CFID=43261701&CFTOKEN=69153915 The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary nonprofit health organization, is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.Our Vision: To enhance the lives of everyone with, at risk of or affected by kidney disease. NKF of Florida, Inc.1040 Woodcock Rd Ste 119Orlando, FL 32803-3510 407.894.7325800.927.9659 nkf@kidneyfla.orgwww.kidneyfla.org 800.622.9010 EARS Animal Rescue Sanctuary, Inc.http://www.ears4life.com/index.php?option=com_form&form_id=2&Itemid=133 EARS is a 501(c)(3) organization that rescues, shelters, and cares for abandoned, abused, lost and stray dogs and cats until they are returned to their home, are adopted or reach the end of their natural lives. EARS is a "no-kill", care-for-life rescue aiding both cats and dogs in Sarasota, Englewood, Venice and Charlotte and Desoto County. EARS145 W. Dearborn StreetEnglewood, FL 34223info@ears4life.com941.475.0636 EARS941.681.3877 (FURR) EARS Pet Store & Adoption Center ASPCAhttps://donate.aspca.org/Donate/Donations/Website%20Banners/Website_Banner_3.aspx?PlacementID=3001260 Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh, is "to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States." While there are SPCAs and humane societies all over the country, the ASPCA is not directly affiliated with them. However, the ASPCA works nationally to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with many shelters across the country.