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Grace Daniel Obituary
May 6, 1932 - Feb. 6, 2014
Resident of Soquel, CA
Grace Keiko Daniel passed away peacefully at her home in Soquel on February 6th, 2014. Grace was born in Santa Maria, CA. Her mother passed away when she was very young and during World War II she was relocated to the Gila internment camp in Arizona. She never spoke of hardship as a child but she developed a level of determination and resilience that enabled her to face life's most difficult challenges with a level of courage that remains an inspiration to those who knew her.
She lived in Chicago prior to returning to California and spoke with great fondness of going to Cub's games and the ivy covered walls of Wrigley Field. Her love of nature and science began early in life. She was inspired by a childhood teacher, and knew at a young age that she wanted to study and teach science. She attended UC Berkeley where she graduated with a BA and MS in Zoology and earned her Teaching Credential. During the summers she worked as a naturalist at the "Lair of the Bear" Cal Alumni camps in the Sierras where she shared her passion for plants and animals with campers. She taught High School in the Bay Area before moving with her family to Santa Cruz County, where she joined the faculty at Cabrillo College and taught Anatomy and Physiology for over 30 years.
Grace's love of animals extended to her private life and throughout her life she surrounded herself with pets which included an ocelot, boa constrictor, donkey, pony, chickens, ducks, geese, dogs and numerous cats who she named after baseball and tennis players. She played tennis up until the last weeks of her life and was a big fan of the Oakland A's.
Grace's indomitable spirit, generosity, and love will be greatly missed by all her who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Charles Daniel; children, Paul (Yasue) Daniel, Carla (Todd) Crampton, and Matt (Alison) Daniel; and grandchildren, Taro, Kana, Adam, Mari, William, James and Grace.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 13, from 1:30-3:30pm, at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, in Santa Cruz.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Grace Daniel
4 Entries
Wayne Bloechl
August 11, 2014
Hi Carla, I barely knew your mom, but she was a wonderful person as you and your brother have shown. Take care and smile often.
Brian Ort
March 8, 2014
I'm very grateful to have worked with Grace for five years. She was delightful to work with on both a personal and professional level. Knowing her was a privilege. My sympathies to Charles and their family.
Melissa Philpot
February 26, 2014
I learned so much from Grace. The "tag team" of Grace and Tom at Cabrillo College is still unsurpassed! I am praying you feel His presence in your hearts during this sad time. I hope some day soon you will be able to remember her with smiles instead of tears. So sorry for your loss.
February 23, 2014
To your wonderful darling wife, mother an my friend over the years. I MiMI Scoppettone send all my love and courage to the Daniels family. I am so sorry an sad for your loss. After reading her obit. I say hell of a life Grace and I know your family has your courage an strength. I could go on an on but that is selfish so I will end with, all my love to you grace and say hello! to my son Michael.
Love to all
MiMi Scoppettone and family, Chris an Virginia an Lily.
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