DANIELLE MELANIE RITCHOT-SOPKO

Peacefully, Danielle passed away at home on June 28th, 2024, from complications arising from MS. She was 43. She was surrounded by all that comforted her, with her favourite TV show playing in the background (Chicago Fire). 

Danielle was born on May long weekend in 1981 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Danielle entered this world weeks before her due date and sadly Danielle left this world way too soon, on Canada Day long weekend 2024. 

Danielle is survived by her husband Andrew, her daughter Taylor Anderson (Nic), sister Katrina Ouellette (Kyle), her niece Callie, her nephews Xavier and Grayson, and her parents Nicole Ritchot and Jerry Sopko. Danielle is remembered by her aunts, uncles and cousins, her friends, colleagues and all those whose lives she touched. 

Throughout her life, Danielle was vibrant, upbeat, smart, and a deep thinker who could light up a room as soon as she walked into it. Danielle always questioned everything and encouraged those around her to be the best version of themselves they could be.

As a child and young adult, Danielle loved spending time with family and friends. She loved her trampoline, swimming, and summer vacations at various lakes. Danielle hated bears, but loved camping and nature. 

At the young age of 17, when Danielle was just a baby herself trying to find her place in this world, she found out that she was having a baby of her own. At that time, little did she know that baby would be the biggest accomplishment and joy of her life. Taylor Anderson is Danielle’s daughter, her pumpkin, and her strength. Danielle loved watching Taylor grow, learn and explore her world. Danielle was always by Taylors side through all the highs and lows of growing up. Danielle was not just Taylor’s Mama, but her best friend and biggest supporter. 

Danielle enjoyed her time at the University of Winnipeg, where she made lifelong connections while earning a 4-year BA in Human Geography and History and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, Analyses, Planning and Management. Danielle was a brilliant mind with a thirst for knowledge always influencing those around her. Throughout her life, Danielle never stopped educating herself, availing herself of training opportunities offered and obtaining a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Certificate 

Danielle was proud of the career she built as a New Media/ E-Communications Officer with the Government of Canada and subsequently as the Project Manager, Online Services with Entrepreneurship Manitoba. Danielle held this latter position from March 2014 until she was no longer able to physically continue to work due to the impact of MS.

In 2014 Danielle swiped right on the love of her life, Andrew. The love Danielle and Andrew shared was once in a lifetime. 

Danielle was a proud introvert and a deep thinker. She loved reading, watching her many shows and spending time by herself. Danielle also had many passions that continuously broke her out of her shell. Whether that be her early morning workouts at 9round, her at home insanity workouts with her favorite trainer, Shaun T, or working up a sweat while drinking beer with her baseball team the “Your Big Fat Ugly Mamas”. Danielle also loved music of every genre, from Bob Dylan, Judy Small, Blind Melon, Royal Wood, Frank Turner, Pearl Jam, Eminem, Nirvana, the Gaslight Anthem, and so much more. Danielle loved live music, attending concerts, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Jazz fest, etc.

In the years after her MS diagnosis in 2018, Danielle dove deep into understanding her future with MS while advocating for others. Danielle, with Andrew by her side and the support of family and friends, battled MS as long as she could, never wavering no matter how difficult it got. Danielle’s radiant smile and continued optimism showed everyone she was happy and resilient in the face of it all. 

The family would like to thank Danielle’s homecare workers, Analyn, Camille, and Kamil, who helped provide Danielle with daily care and companionship.

In accordance with Danielle’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will be holding a celebration of life for Danielle at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Centro Caboto Center, 1055 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, Mb. The family invites all who had the honour of knowing Danielle to attend. 

Danielle’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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