Eileen Danielson

Eileen Danielson, 72, of Oakland Park, Florida, left this world to be with the angels on September 23, 2024. Eileen fought cancer with grace for over a year and wanted more than anything to keep fighting, but it wasn’t meant to be. She was surrounded by love from her family and friends in her last days, both in person and in spirit.

Eileen was the beloved daughter of the late Goldie and Al Kerti. She is survived by her devoted husband “Johnny” (Bruce), and her loving sisters Debbie Ferrence (Lew) and Pam Kerti. The sisters had lost their brother Billy in 2009. We can’t remember Eileen without recognizing her love for the many companion animals who shared her life. She entrusted her beloved dogs, Star and Pickles; cats, Luna and Cala; and cockatoo, Baby, to the loving care of John and her family. She leaves behind countless friends who are family, and far too many to name.

Eileen was born on February 4, 1952, and spent most of her life in South Florida, attending Carol City Elementary, Junior High and High School. She remained close with her sisters Debbie and Pam throughout her life, going to lunch every week, spending holidays together and sharing their love of animals. A favorite excursion included frequent trips to Flamingo Gardens to take photographs of the animals. Eileen was a talented photographer with a keen eye, and helped Debbie and Pam develop their own talents. All three sisters entered Flamingo Gardens’ photography contests and were there to cheer each other on, all of them winning top prizes over the years. When Eileen’s illness made it impossible for her to go out, the girls continued their tradition and came to her home with lunch every week sometimes joined by dear friends, Debbie Dalick and Diane Watchinski.

Eileen married the love her of her life, John, in 1995. Eileen and John also shared their love of art and traveled throughout South Florida for many years together, participating in art shows and festivals – John exhibiting his artwork, and Eileen her photography. Many friends visited them at their shows and gathered at their booth to show their support and just to say hello and chat. John remained at her side for every moment of her illness for the past year, being her caretaker, cooking, and providing for her every need. She thanked him every day.

Eileen was a dream employee. She loved her work as a graphic artist and always earned the respect of her employers and co-workers – making and maintaining lifelong friendships with those she met at work. She had two jobs in the course of her life – VGC/Graphline for 25 years and then Broward Health for 28 years. She worked diligently as Manager of the Print Shop at Broward Health until she could no longer work due to her illness.

When we remember Eileen Danielson, we will always think of a kind and selfless person, who never said an unkind word about anyone. Someone who was always there for a friend in need, and always asked what she could do to help. Even during her illness, she worried more about John and her sisters and friends, and how it would affect THEM, rather than herself. She counted the days until Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and wanted her friends and family to always feel welcome to join in her celebrations, especially those who had nowhere else to go.  

Eileen’s family has chosen that rather than holding a memorial service, they are requesting that friends and family honor her memory with an act of kindness toward an animal or human in need. They would also like to express heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported them as well as Eileen during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Saving Sage Animal Rescue, the local organization where they adopted their beloved cats. Donations can be made by check to Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation, 8736 W. Commercial Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33351 or online at www.savingsagerescue.org

Another option is a donation to Flamingo Gardens, where Eileen and her family and friends spent many memorable and joyful days. Donations can be made at www.flamingogardens.org.