Danelle DeCiantis

Danelle Roulier DeCiantis, 58, of Manchester, CT, lost her lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis on September 23, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital with her husband and family by her side.
Danelle was born in Syracuse, NY to her loving parents, John and Marie Roulier on June 23, 1966. At the age of two, Danelle was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, at the time the life expectancy was 12 years. Danelle was a warrior throughout her life fighting this devastating genetic disease.
Danelle graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1989 and early in her career worked for the Jackson O'Keefe Law Firm until her disease progressed and her survival depended on obtaining a double lung transplant. She was fortunate to receive a successful transplant at the University of Alabama Birmingham on June 4, 1999. At the time, the lung transplant 5-year survival rate was 50%. Danelle embraced this second chance at life by taking memorable trips with her husband to Hawaii, Italy, California, and Virginia Beach. She also made regular visits to her special place of peace, joy and beauty, the family home in Brant Lake, NY.
Danelle returned to her career one year post transplant and worked 17 years as a legal assistant at Robinson & Cole Law Firm in Hartford, CT. She was a deeply valued and talented employee and made lifelong friends while there. In 2015 Danelle started battling lung rejection and in recent years faced the debilitating effects of her disease.
In 2017, when she no longer could manage her career and her medical treatments she resigned from Robinson & Cole. That did not stop her from pursuing her childhood talent of crocheting. She made at least 100 beautiful blankets for family, friends, and those in need. Many times, a special person in her life unexpectedly received a beautiful hand-made blanket in the person's favorite colors. She also made and donated baby blankets, hats for veterans and lap blankets for nursing home and hospitalized patients. These were always treasured gifts and were such a delight to receive. Her handmade creations had her personal special label of "Gift of Crochet by Danelle."
She became the mentor for many other cystic fibrosis and double lung transplant patients. She shared her journey and counseled them with her expertise and knowledge. She celebrated her 25-year anniversary of her double lung transplant June 4, 2024.
Danelle was a testament to family, friends and all who knew her of amazing courage, endurance, perseverance, hope and strength of spirit despite the most difficult challenges. Her indomitable spirit and fight for life each day had allowed her to survive many years beyond her life expectancy.
Those persons who were fortunate to know and love Danelle have been blessed. She has been an inspiration and taught us how to live a full life with love and immense care for others despite the devastation and challenges of a chronic disease.
Danelle is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Crescent DeCiantis; parents, John and Marie Roulier; brother, Kenneth (Laurie) Roulier; sister, Lanette (Alex) Kovachi; sister, Lori Penhall; her cherished nieces, nephews (both family and honorary) and cousins.
Many thanks to her devoted and compassionate medical care team at Yale New Haven Hospital, especially: Dr. Jonathan Koff, Dr. Gail Stanley, Dr. Lynn Tanoue, Dr. Eugenia Vining and Rosa Mascola, RN.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Danelle's honor can be made to: Help Hope Live (HelpHopeLive.org) and the Yale School of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Fund - Designation 13903.
Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center Street in Manchester, on Thursday, October 3rd from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 4th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike E, Manchester (please meet directly at church) followed by burial at St. James Cemetery.