Danielle Marie Whitaker

Danielle Marie Whitaker, 50, passed into God’s loving arms on June 16, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born February 1, 1969 to Bob and Dixie Whitaker and preceded in death by her sister, Dana Marie and grandparents, Robert and Eleanor Whitaker and Ed and Marie Barlow. She is survived by her parents, her brothers, Bob (Laura) and Todd (Libby); adoring nieces, Macy Dana, Emily, Claire, Anna, Audrey; and nephew, McKay, and her one true love, C.

Danielle managed Ohio Tuxedo in Fairlawn for 14 years before establishing a very successful pet sitting business. She became the “Pet Whisperer” to so many furry friends and their families. Danielle loved working in her flower gardens, finding bargains wherever she shopped and then sharing them with mom. Sitting on the beach and watching the waves and sunsets brought her great pleasure. She was gifted and talented in everything, a very special person, who was kind, caring and generous to all. She was just beautiful inside and out. Danielle was the sunshine on a cloudy day and brought joy to so many. She was a daughter to be treasured and we thank God that he loaned her to us for a while.

Danielle graduated from Copley High School in 1987 where she excelled in academics and athletics. After being nationally ranked as a youth tennis player, she earned four varsity letters at Copley in basketball and received first team All Suburban, All Summit County and All District honors. Danielle also excelled on the softball diamond earning another four letters and first team honors as a shortstop on the All Suburban and All District teams. As an MVP she had a career batting average of .447. Other honors include CHS Outstanding Senior Female Athlete and Scholar Athlete as well as National Honor Society. Danielle accepted a scholarship to play softball at Kent State University where she was a Scholastic All-American. Unfortunately, her college career was cut short by injuries. Danielle was inducted into Copley’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

The family wishes to express appreciation and thanks to Cooper Cancer Center, Stewarts Caring Place, Summa Hospice, Dr. Clifford, Dr. Ingram and Dr. Naidu for treating Danielle with dignity, compassion and love.

Visiting hours are Monday, June 24 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, 44333 and Tuesday, June 25 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 2796 W. Market St., Fairlawn. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM at Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Danielle’s honor to Summa Hospice or Cooper Cancer foundation, 525 E. Market St, Akron, OH 44304, Stewart’s Caring Place, 2955 W. Market St. # R, Akron, OH  44333 or a favorite pet rescue. Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333.  (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)