In loving memory of

Danielle De Fauw
January 31, 1943 - May 30, 2015

Danielle DeFauw of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, passed away on May 30, 2015, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Danielle was born on January 31, 1943, in Marseille, France and was the daughter of the late Blanche Soubeyrand. She attended the College des Jeunes Filles dArles, which enabled her to obtain a position at the U.S. Consulate Gnrale in Marseille, France, where she met her husband, Robert. During her life, she lived in numerous countries, due in part to her husbands international assignments with the federal government. Danielle was an avid cultural enthusiast and advocate of the arts, evidenced by her involvement in numerous organizations and causes. She was a life member of Project Hope and the Alliance Franaise de Grosse Pointe, where she particularly enjoyed coordinating the annual Distribution de Prix; a distinction awarded to students for excellence in French studies. She was a member of the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, The Grosse Pointe Beaumont Assistance League, and the Dante Alighieri Society. She was the former manager of the boutique at the Detroit Opera House. Danielle was the Mistress of Costume Design at Grosse Pointe Childrens Theater and Grosse Pointe South High School. Along with the wife of the American Ambassador to Thailand, Danielle founded refugee camps for people fleeing the Khmer Rouge. She received the prestigious Ordre des Palmes Acadmiques as a Chevalier; an award given by the French government for fostering French-American cultural relations. Danielle is survived by her loving husband, Robert, of 47 years, her four children, Richard DeFauw, Caroline DeFauw, Deborah Gmeiner (Stephen), Michael DeFauw and two Grandsons, Charles and Edward Gmeiner. She is also survived by numerous French relatives. Danielle was known and loved for her genuine kindness, generous spirit and classic, unique style.

The family welcomes family and friends on Wednesday, June 3rd from 5-9 PM and Thursday, June 4th from 2-9 PM at Chas.Verheyden Funeral Home, Inc. at 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. A Celebration Mass of her life is Friday, June 5th, noon, at St. Paul on the Lake, 157 Lakeshore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, 48236. Memorial contributions may be made in Danielles name to St. Judes Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105. Light a candle and share a memory at www.verheyden.org

Tributes

Jean Louis LOMBARDINI wrote on May 26, 2016:

" A year has passed since you left us, and you are more than ever in our hearts, deeply. "

Marie Fella wrote on Jul 11, 2015:

"To Bob, Michael and family, may the Good Lord be with you during this difficult period and may he comfort you knowing that beautiful Danielle is in the hands of the Lord."

Bill Allen wrote on Jun 15, 2015:

"I am so sorry for your loss, Richard, and the rest of your family. Reading about mother's life and interests was inspiring and touching that she worked so hard for others. I'm so sorry I could not see you last week, but look forward to seeing you later. You've always been nothing but supportive and helpful to me and I can only assume that your mother had a lot to do with your kind, positive, and helpful nature. May God bless you and your family and that your Mother's good works live on."

sherelle wrote on Jun 8, 2015:

"Please accept condolences for your family, and find comfort in Rev 21:4"

Glen Cooper wrote on Jun 6, 2015:

"Bob, I never met your wife but it is certainly clear that she led a full life and will be greatly missed. Besides our DEA careers, we now share something else in common. My wife of 52 years passed away suddenly 3 years ago this August. I understand what you are going through. Sincerest condolences. Glen Cooper"

Drs. Jose Luis and Maria Cristina Menaldi wrote on Jun 5, 2015:

"Just a quiet word to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family, and to let you know we are thinking about you. I am sure that Danielle leadership in the Alliance Francaise community will be sorely missed as well as by numerous friends. Yours sincerely, Jose Luis and Maria Cristina"

Lna Lombardini wrote on Jun 5, 2015:

"Je pense fort cette femme et cette famille exceptionnelle. La distance n'efface pas la tristesse. Love Lna"

Vivian, Larry, Leah and Janeece Anderson wrote on Jun 4, 2015:

"Our sincere sympathy."

Franoise from Martigues wrote on Jun 4, 2015:

"plus qu'une amie une sur de cur et un manque immense qui s'installe chaque jour un peu plus. more than a friend, a sister"of my hart"."

Anne Peoples wrote on Jun 4, 2015:

"With Deepest Sympathy"

Violet M. Dalla Vecchia wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"Danielle added a real touch of class to the Detroit Opera House Boutique, and it was always a pleasure to shop there for something special for my granddaughter, as she offered excellent suggestions and carried a beautiful line of merchandise (though I could never get her to part with the lamp shades with musical scores on them to adorn the lamps my husband made from a used clarinet and our daughter's flute!) My deepest sympathies to her family. She brought so much joy to all who knew her. May she rest in peace. Violet M. Dalla Vecchia, Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association Usher16"

Dennis Hunkler wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"Though I knew you not, Danielle, still you are in my prayers."

The Storey and Buehler Family wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"Danielle DeFauw leaves behind a lasting legacy not only to her family and friends but those she has touched around the world. Her kindness and encouraging words as well as her beautiful smile made her stand out! She was truly beautiful inside and out! God bless her wonderful family during this time of great loss. We are so happy she is at peace with God and her pain and suffering is gone. VIVRE LA VIE SANS REGRETS!"

Patricia Stewart wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"I first met Danielle in the mid-80's when we were helping the Grosse Pointe Children's Theater in their production of Oliver. She impressed me so much with her kindness and creativity. Years later, our paths crossed again with the Alliance Franaise de Grosse Pointe and I felt privileged to have another opportunity to know her better. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, and will be missed! May God hold her family in the palm of His hand."

Christiane Stein (Toucheque) wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"My sympathy to the whole family. I wish you the best. Danielle was a very special person who touched everyone that she met. She was intelligent, kind, ambitious, enthusiastic in everything that she did. I could go on and on with her qualities. I enjoyed working for her at the Detroit Opera Theatre boutique; she had such good taste. I will miss her; she will create a void in my life"

Connie Doherty wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"My heart goes out to all of Danielle's family and friends. It's a very big loss to all of us. She was a warm, gracious, talented and classy lady. I'm so glad I got the chance to know her and work with her in the opera boutique. I'll never forget her sweet smile and enthusiasm for friends, her work and the arts."

Glenda Semifero wrote on Jun 3, 2015:

"My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I pray the Lord's comfort during this difficult time. Love, Glenda"

Elizabeth wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"She raised an amazing daughter. Wish I would have know her personally."

Claire Panganiban wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"Danielle, you always had a smile for everyone you met. My friendship through the Detroit Opera House was very important for me, always a pleasure to talk and exchange our ideas and opinions about such and such opera. You are missed very much. I know you are in the arms of God, whom you loved so much. Love always. Claire "

Tom & Carol Dolan wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"Danielle always went out of her way to welcome the DEA family during our time in Bangkok.I hope that all of the love you hold in your heart, brings you comfort at this time. "

Bernie LeMieux wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"Dear DeFauw Family, Oh how I remember your mom's smile, so real, so bright, so grand. This wonderful lady brought good feelings to anyone who was in the same area where she would be......and to that end, as her children, you will continue to bring that "smile" to everyone you are near. Your mom, will, through you, continue to grace our presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you today, and beyond. Vive la Danielle !!"

krissy, mark, addison and brooke mccarthy (butt.. wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"thoughts and prayers to the entire DeFauw family. What a beautiful kind hearted woman. May she rest in peace."

Patti Bologna wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"With my deepest heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mom, Danielle, a kind and gracious lady.... truly beautiful inside and out. Be assured of my prayers in this most difficult time. "Eternal rest grant unto Danielle, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her and may her soul rest forever in God's peace." Amen "

Kevin Windsor wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"Dear Deborah and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mother sounded like an amazing woman. I am certain you all will miss her terribly. Remember her well, Kevin Windsor"

Deborah Gmeiner wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"What grandeur you must be enjoying, my beloved Mom. Reunited with Grandmere and free of pain! We celebrate you, we miss you and we feel you everywhere. I love you to the moon..."

Richard LaMagna wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"Bob, please accept our sincere condolences on the sad passing of Danielle, a warm and gracious person who was admired by all who knew her. May she enjoy everlasting peace and may the Lord comfort you and your family in your time of loss. Sincerely, Rich LaMagna"

Jean Louis Lombardini wrote on Jun 2, 2015:

"Adieu, Ma Cousine, ou plutot, au revoir, Ma Soeur. Jean-Louis"

Samantha wrote on Jun 1, 2015:

"In honor of a wonderful life and a beautiful woman and mother. "

Michael DeFauw wrote on Jun 1, 2015:

"I love you Mumma!!"

Amal and Maroun El-Hosni wrote on Jun 1, 2015:

"The world has lost a beautiful soul. You have touched many lives with your grace and kindness. Danielle, tu nous manqueras terriblement."

Cher Caramagno wrote on Jun 1, 2015:

"Will miss your smile. You always had so much energy. They say God calls the good ones home sooner. This is true for you. You enriched the lives of anyone you were around "

Carla Miller wrote on Jun 1, 2015:

"Although you will be missed- you are home with our Lord and all the Angels. "

Delmar & Cindy Childs wrote on Jun 1, 2015:

"Our hearts and our prayers are with your family."