Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Danielle Christine Bruneau McLean Smith, lovingly known as Dani, on June 26, 2026.

Dani lived with deep empathy, curiosity, creativity, and a most generous heart. Intelligent, thoughtful, and endlessly inquisitive from the time she was a little girl, she approached life with both wonder and determination. She possessed a rare gift for finding beauty in everyday moments, whether through painting, poetry, music, nature, or the heartfelt words she so often shared with others. She believed life was meant to be shared and delighted in passing along whatever might brighten someone’s day, encourage a friend, or remind another person they were not alone.

Her sense of humor was unforgettable. Dani could find laughter in almost any situation, from demanding days at work to life’s everyday absurdities (I think tho). She loved making people smile and balanced her thoughtful, reflective nature with a playful spirit that drew others to her.

A talented artist, gifted writer, and poet, Dani expressed herself with honesty and imagination. She celebrated the successes of others as enthusiastically as her own and freely offered encouragement, kindness, and compassion. Her generosity was found not only in what she gave, but in the way she listened, uplifted, and cared for those around her.

Dani took great pride in her work  as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at Cascade Aerospace,  a career that spanned 20 years, where her intelligence, skill, and strong work ethic earned the respect of those Dani worked with. She always stepped up to hard work and often found humour in even the most challenging days.

Above all, Dani loved deeply and in August of 2024, she married the love of her life, Earl Smith.

Dani is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Earl Smith and his family; her mother, Donna-Lee Sproule; her dearest sister, Kelly Elaine Bruneau-Kadri; nephew, Austin-Lee Caron; nieces, Anisa and Ava Kadri; Auntie Karie (Uncle Rob) Young; dear cousins, Chelsea McBroom, Robyn Tamas McBroom (Atilla) and their children, Natalie and Nora; Uncle Tim Sproule and Auntie Dori; Great Uncles Mike and Tony Sproule and their families; Great Auntie Dot Hill and family; Aunt Kit Fraser and Aunt Laura; extended family members Ron Bartmanovich, Rick Chester, Doug McLean; treasured friends, and colleagues, all whose lives were significantly brighter because Dani was part of them.

Danielle was predeceased by her father, Paul Raymond Joseph Hilaire Bruneau, her Maternal Grandparents, Hugh Findlay Sproule & Sydney (Mary) Elaine Sproule and Dani’s Paternal Grandparents, David (Dave) Bruneau & Fay Bruneau.

Those who knew her will remember her light, quick wit, soft and artistic soul, compassionate heart, and Dani’s remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Though Dani’s time with us was far too short, the kindness she shared, the laughter she inspired, the poetry and paintings she left behind, and most of all, the hope she carried into the lives of others will remain as Dani’s legacy.