Danielle Trahan October 26, 1971- January 25, 2025

Danielle leaves an inspiring legacy for those who called her wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, mentor and friend. Her infectious smile, bright and expressive eyes, compassionate heart and generous soul captivated so many. She was the consummate gifter. Her generosity knew no bounds. Family and friends knew better than to admire things while in her presence, lest an Amazon box would show up at their door the next day. If you told Danielle you liked something, like her backyard water fountain, you better like it a lot.

Danielle was born October 26, 1971 and raised in Bratenahl, Ohio. She attended Bratenahl Elementary (just one of seven in her 1st grade class), St, Mary's, Villa Angela Academy and earned her Associate in Applied Business at the Academy of Court Reporting in Cleveland, Ohio. She learned to swim in Lake Erie and played competitive softball, famously subbing as an 8 year old in the 12 year old all star game. She was a tomboy but also ridiculously beautiful and an early fashionista. She was a teenager of the 80's and definitely enjoyed the trends, rocked her Jordache jeans, the big hair and her IROC Z with T tops. She worked at the Cleveland Indians Terrace Club and appreciated the irony of not knowing the rules of baseball. Then she dove into her career in court reporting, the evolution of information technology and eventually to her long term passion: teaching court reporting to the next generation.

She married the love of her life Ronnie Trahan on December 20, 2010, initially living in Flower Mound Texas before moving to the Kingwood Texas community where she celebrated in her extended Trahan family and generous neighbors. She found a way to spend the holidays in Ohio or alternatively import her Ohio family to Texas. She would purchase her Mother one way tickets to Texas so that she would stay multiple weeks or months. Despite her husband's culinary expertise grilling/smoking Texas BBQ, her favorite meal became her Mother's chicken noodle soup, one of the few meals she would eat during her recent sickness.

Danielle and Ronnie created a home filled with love, laughter very energetic Siamese cats, lab retriever Remington and the late Silas, and most recently adopted feral KitKat. Her sentimentality for her family and friends was evident through the framed photographs in every room. And outside, her love of gardening is immediately apparent through the roses and overflowing planters. Each fall, she looked forward to lining her walkway with chrysanthemums and pansies.

She was a consummate professional and passionate teacher. She used her court reporting experience to ensure that her students would do so much more than pass the speed and proficiency tests but would excel in their professional and personal lives. She stressed consistency and professionalism. She earned several local and state awards during her court reporting career, including the Ohio Court Reporting Assoc. 2009 Award of Achievement. She most recently developed the voice writing program at the Arlington Career Institute, where she was a valued colleague and mentor. She pushed and pulled so many grateful students across the finish line and into successful professional careers. So many students and colleagues have shared her tremendous impact on them professionally, and more importantly, in their personal journeys through life. She would be humbled by the incredible outreach from her student, colleagues and admirers across the country.

She may have missed Ohio but she loved Texas. She was patriotic and so proud when the next generation cast their first votes. She believed in herself and was passionate about each person's obligation to develop and apply their strength. She wanted each family member, student and friend to be happy and successful. She fought this terrible disease with dignity, integrity and courage. She acknowledged her vulnerability and embraced her incredibly loving and supportive husband, who literally stayed by her side and advocated for her throughout this battle.

Danielle is survived and loved forever by her proud family and friends, especially her husband Ronnie Trahan, daughter Abby, step children Madeline and Ryan Trahan, mother Patricia Kawalek (Tommy Nevans), father Hank Kawalek, parents-in-law James and Janie Trahan, siblings Laurel (Andrew) Kawalek, Steven Kawalek and Dawn (Chris) Motta and siblings-in-law Stephanie (Randy) Stone, Charles Trahan, Kennie (Marlee) Trahan, nieces and nephews Audrey Didek, Erin Kawalek, Caitlyn Kawalek, Grace Motta, Evan Motta, Kenlee Trahan, Sadie Mathern, Alissa Castellon, Andrzej Kawalek, Alex Didek, Stephen Stone and so many treasured friends and students.

Danielle's passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of those who love her, but her legacy of love, passion and generosity will carry on in the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Danielle Trahan Scholarship Fund at the Arlington Career Institute (check payable to Arlington Career Institute w/ memo: Danielle Trahan Scholarship Fund, 2201 E. Lamar Blvd, Suite 150, Arlington, Texas 76006), the Houston Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

A memorial gathering honoring and celebrating Danielle's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Darst Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, followed by her service at 12:00 noon. The address is: 700 Palmer Road, Kingwood, Texas 77339.

Live stream is available through this link:  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczODI3NjE0MDM0NzkyMCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==