It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that Daniela Melissa Keates passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the age of twenty-eight.

Born to Domenic and Melissa Salciccia on January 19, 1995, Daniela learned early that there was nothing more important than family, and that was something she lived by. A daddy’s girl in every sense of the word and her mom’s best friend, Daniela was the light of their lives. She was so proud to call herself their daughter, and spoke so fondly of her parents whenever she could. She adored, and was adored by, her two older brothers, Matthew and Nicholas, and the three of them shared an indescribable bond. Daniela spoke of her brothers with such pride and was their biggest cheerleader.

One of the roles Daniela was most proud of was being a ZiZi. She was an incredible godmother, taking on her role with such honour, and loving and guiding her goddaughter as God had intended. She loved being a Zia, and the kids’ faces lit up anytime they saw her. The bond she forged with each of her nieces and nephews was in thanks to her dedication to be present in their lives, and that was evident in they way they loved her so deeply.

Daniela met her husband, David, through her oldest brother, Matthew. Anyone could see the way David loved her just by the way he looked at her, and there was no denying their connection from the start. They showed unbelievable strength as they navigated the countless obstacles thrown their way, but their love always remained true through it all. It was a privilege to watch how they coped with tough times with such resilience and dedication toward one another.

Daniela always said that she knew her entire life she wanted to be a mom, and she stopped at nothing to make that happen. Daniela showed unwavering strength and courage as she navigated her path to motherhood and brought her daughter, Stella, into this world. And Daniela was born to be a mom. She did not leave Stella’s side when she was born six weeks early, and she was the greatest advocate for her daughter. The smile Stella saved just for her mama is a testament to the love she was showered with every single day. Stella will forever be her mommy’s girl.

Daniela had a special way of making people feel seen and heard. She knew how to show up for others when they needed her most. She loved her friends and family deeply, and was fiercely loyal. There truly was no one like her, and the huge impact of this loss is proof of just how many lives Daniela touched. She will be missed by so many.

There aren’t enough words to describe how heartbroken we are to say goodbye to our Daniela—beloved daughter to Domenic & Melissa; loving sister to Matthew (Kristen) & Nicholas (Melissa); proud aunt to Ava, Sofia, Jack & Rome; devoted granddaughter to Luigia & the late Rolando (2023) and Wayne & Paulette; and daughter-in-law to Sandra & the late Michael (2021).

Above all, adored wife to David and the most incredible mommy to Stella.

Some people come into your life and shine a light so bright that even after they’re gone, their light remains. That was Daniela. She had a smile and a laugh that could light up any room, she gave the best hugs and always leant a shoulder to cry on, and she had the biggest, kindest heart. And while she is no longer with us, we know that her light will continue to shine in all our lives.

Family and friends will be received at Meadowvale Funeral Centres, Sunday August 27th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Mass will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Monday August 28th, at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations toward a trust that will be made in Stella’s name. Donations can be sent to stellamelissakeates@gmail.com