Danielle Marie Senick of Norwich died unexpectedly at her home on December 24, 2020, her 32nd birthday. She was born in New London, CT to parents Mark Senick and Patricia Fraser, who survive her.
Danielle attended East Lyme and Norwich schools, graduating from Norwich Free Academy. She attended Curry College in Milton, MA and recently graduated from Cortiva Institute Massage and Skin School as a certified Massage Therapist.
Danielle was born with a medical condition called Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, which left her with a significant visual impairment. As a young student, she received services from BESB through East Lyme Public Schools where she learned how to read Braille, received a Braille notetaker from the East Lyme Lions Club, and learned the necessary skills to navigate her world, leading her to become an independent adult. Danielle’s family would like to thank Dr. Eileen Luddy, a close family friend and educator who helped to support Danielle in her challenging journey from childhood to the present.
As an adult, Danielle became involved with the Sofia Sees Hope Foundation, which supports research and generates awareness for LCA. Being an advocate for students with similar vision challenges, Danielle occasionally visited schools to talk about her life, the assistive technology that supported her independence, and typically brought her service dog Flossy with her. Her impact on young students was empowering and impressive.
Danielle was very bright, funny, quick witted and a loving person. Her laughter was contagious, and she was never afraid to be brutally honest, often using sarcasm to get her point across. She was a bright spot in the lives of everyone she met. She had wonderful friends that she enjoyed spending time with traveling to various destinations to enjoy music, theater and dining experiences. Having grown up near the beach, Danielle had a great connection with the water, she loved swimming and was most at peace when floating and surrounded by the ocean. She will be deeply missed by all and we can take comfort in knowing she and Floss are looking over us and she can see all the beauty surrounding her.
In addition to her parents, Danielle is survived by her brothers Lucas (Paula) Gilger of Gales Ferry and Travis Senick of Norwich, CT; paternal grandparents John and Madonna Senick of Michigan; maternal grandparents Lawrence Fraser of Moodus, CT and Jacqueline Fraser of Waterford, CT; two nephews Caelan and Oliver Gilger; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family who are left to cherish her memory.
Due to the restrictions of the Covid19 virus, a Celebration of Danielle’s Life will be held for immediate family and close friends. Donations in Danielle’s memory can be made to:
The Danielle Senick Memorial Fund c/o Liberty Bank, 165 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, and will be dispersed to charities near and dear to her heart.
