Katherine Gilbert Daniell

Katy was born May 5, 1924 in Abbeville, Alabama. Her parents were Byrd and Elie Gilbert. Katy was raised in Apopka, Florida and graduated from Apopka High School in 1943, moving to Orlando where she remained the rest of her life. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, downtown Orlando where she was married to Joe V. Daniell in 1944. Katy lived with her husband Joe and their two children, Joleen and Nancy, in the College Park section of Orlando.

Katy was involved in several organizations. She joined the Orlando Garden Club in 1952 and was active in all phases of the Club. She served as President, and was a dedicated Life Member of the National Garden Club, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, and the Orlando Garden Club, She served as Historian Chairman the past few years. She was the recipient of the FFGC Pillar of Pride, a Hall of Fame Honor Member and the recipient of the Inspired Gardener Award by District VII FFGC. Katy was also an active member of the FFGC Wildflower Club, and a member of the Creative Arts Garden Club. As part of the Orlando Garden Club volunteer work, she taught the Dover Shores Elementary School 5th grade students “Junior Gardening” once a month for 40 years. Katy took great pride in being a 73-year member of the Lake Silver Shores Circle of the Orlando Garden Club, and was also a current member of the Beautyberry Circle.

She was a “Crafty Lady” well known at local arts and craft festivals for her floral design arrangements made from natural dried plant materials and her contrived flowers crafted out of various plant materials. She specialized and was well known for her “angels” made from various materials, including seashells. She also had a backyard plant nursery for 65 years and had a booth displaying both crafts and plants at Lake Eola “Fiesta in the Park” for 40+ years. She received a ceramic fountain trophy from the City of Orlando festival for her years of participation. Katy also sold her plants and crafts at other local festivals: Spring Fever in the Garden, downtown Winter Garden, Cracker Christmas at Ft. Christmas Park, Leu Gardens Plant Sales, Mount Dora and the Maitland Flea Market, where she began and carted her crafts back and forth in her red Volkswagon Beetle.

Katy was involved with the Alzheimer’s Association since 1993. In 2002, She was recognized as Community Ambassador by the Alzheimer Resource Center. She was also named Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), both for her love, dedication and inspiration.

Katy enjoyed fishing over the years on local lakes and the St. John’s River where she and Joe owned a lot near the entrance of the Wekiva River. She also enjoyed taking several trips each year to Sanibel Island. She was also well known for her delicious homemade cookies and carrot cakes.

Katy was a loving Daughter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Aunt. Katy was preceded in death by her Parents, Sisters Maureen G. Rana and Eloise Cheever, and Husband, Joe Virgil Daniell. She is survived by two Daughters, Joleen Lombardo (Larry), Nancy Dunn (James), Grandson, Chris Lombardo, Great Grandson, Luciano Lombardo, Brother, Riley Gilbert (Mary) and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held August 12, 2025 11am at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home West, 90 Weathersfield Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite nonprofit organization.