Danielle "Dani" Renee Cole

Danielle Renee Cole, lovingly known as Dani, passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 41.

Danielle was born on September 30, 1984 in Westminster, Colorado, to Richard & Debbie (Cockerill) Cole. She graduated from high school early in 2002 and went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Philosophy from Arapahoe Community College.

From the very beginning, Danielle had a gentle heart and an extraordinary love for animals. That love was so strong that at just 8 yrs old she decided to stop eating meat. Her compassion for animals remained a defining part of who she was throughout her life. Her beloved dogs, Brooklyn and Grace, and her cat Sebastian, they were not simply pets, they were her babies.

Danielle also had a deep connection to nature and an eye for beauty. She loved flowers, gardening, fashion and shoes, and she had a natural talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements. She shared that gift with others by creating arrangements for weddings, funerals, and other important moments in the lives of the people she loved. She also enjoyed creating and selling jewelry.

Danielle spent more than 17 years working for Whole Foods Market.  She began as a cashier at 18 and steadily worked her way through many different positions.  She helped open a new store in Colorado Springs and eventually became a head

florist, a position that allowed her creativity and love of flowers to shine.

Later in life, Danielle discovered that she had another gift: connecting with people.  She worked nearly five years as a waitress at O’Brien’s Cafe in Sedalia, where she became a beloved familiar face to many of the restaurant’s regular customers.  She later worked as a gardener and landscaper at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Castle Rock, where she loved being outdoors and working among nature.

However, Danielle was more than the jobs she held or the things she accomplished.

She was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, aunt, friend and devoted animal lover.  She had a personality and spirit all her own.  She could make the ordinary memorable, and the people who knew her best will remember her very fondly and for all the moments that could never be captured on this page.

Danielle is survived by her parents, Richard & Debbie (Cockerill) Cole, Strasburg, Colorado: her brother, Justin Cole & niece, Ariah, Parker, Colorado, her sister, Tanessa Cole & niece, Julianna, Strasburg, Colorado, her grandmother, Lila Cockerill, Marysville, Kansas & her beloved dogs, Brooklyn & Grace, her beloved cat, Sebastian, & numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard & JoAnne Cole, & Robert & Marvall Cockerill.

A private celebration of Danielle’s life was held in Estes Park, Colorado on October 11, 2026, for immediate family.  Her many friends are also making arrangements for a gathering to celebrate and remember her.  That will be held on November 9, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:30 at the Happy Crew Coffee House at 9044 Forsstrom Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124

In honor of Danielle’s lifelong love of animals, those wishing to make a memorial donation are encouraged to donate to an animal rescue of their choice in her name.

Danielle’s life was far more than the number of years she was given.  It was the love she gave, the lives she touched, the beauty she created, the animals she cared for, and the memories she left behind.

She was deeply loved and she will be deeply missed.  She will never be forgotten.

“Heavenly Father you see my broken heart, my despair, my heartache, my loneliness. When Dani left this earth so did a part of me. I know that I will never be the same. I pour out all my longings and pain to you. You knew my child from the moment of conception. You are the Author and Finisher of our Faith. You wrote out how many days Dani would be on this earth. None of this was a surprise to you – just to us.

Jesus, I know that Dani is home safe with you. I know that she is in your arms. It is only time and space that seperates us – nothing more. Right now Jesus give my darling a  kiss and hug from me. Tell Dani that I still have work to do on this earth. Let her know that all I need to do is touch my heart and at that very moment we are together again. One day it will be permanent.

Jesus while I continue this journey I ask that you give me peace, grace and strength to make it through each day. Each day make my purpose here on earth clearer. Let my daughter’s legacy live on in every life that I touch and every heart that I reach. Jesus, today heal my wounds. Fill me with your love. Fill me with your power. Fill me with hope. Give me a future to look forward to. Show me your goodness. Jesus, never let my heart grow bitter, angry, resentful or hard. Keep my heart tender as my daughter’s was.

Jesus, help me to continue to see that you are still a good God. Jesus, help me to once again praise you. Help my mind to be focused on the good that you have done – not on anything that is bad or negative. Help me to once again trust. Jesus help me to once again love.”

In Jesus name we pray.  amen