Daniella "Dani" Gomez

Dani Gomez January 23, 1971 – April 19, 2026 She was short in stature but larger than life in personality—full of sass, sharp wit, and a dark, twisted sense of humor. Dani did things her own way—always. Direct, unfiltered, and completely uninterested in sugarcoating anything, she lived boldly, loved deeply, and never did anything halfway. Dani was hardworking, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically herself in every season of life. Years in the service industry shaped her belief that people should be treated right, especially when it came to tipping well and respecting the people doing the work. Right before her breast cancer diagnosis, she launched Wicked Charm Candles, a small business that fit her perfectly—bold, sassy, and just a little unhinged in the best way. It quickly became more than a business; it became a platform to support small business owners and give back to causes she cared about, including the Hobart Humane Society, Stevie the Wonder Dog, and Sunshine Beagles Rescue—because Dani never did anything quietly or halfway. Dani also loved to cook and was genuinely good at it. She was known for her tacos, lasagna, and chocolate cake—meals that were requested, remembered, and never quite duplicated. In true Dani fashion, she sent “easy” recipes to her non-cooking friends with full confidence they’d figure it out. She had a deep love for animals, especially her beagles—Barney, Mickey, Spanky, Casey, and Lucy—who preceded her in death and were family in every sense of the word. She often said she hoped to see them again at the Rainbow Bridge, where she’d be greeted with the same unconditional love—and plenty of sloppy kisses—that they gave her here. Dani loved her people fiercely and always made sure they were mentioned. Kim Grochowski and Dawn “Bambi” Davich had been by her side since childhood, bonded through decades of friendship, chaos, and 1980s stories that never got old. In college, she met Sarah Knight, and that friendship lasted more than 20 years—long enough for Dani’s humor to still make Sarah blush on command. She also knew family friend Chris Reddick since childhood, and during her illness, their connection deepened into a meaningful friendship, with Chris becoming part of her support circle. Dani loved and was deeply loved by Kim’s husband, Juan, and Sarah’s husband, Randy, both of whom understood that loving her meant accepting she was going to say exactly what she thought—every single time. She also shared strong bonds with Kim’s son, Miles, Bambi’s sons, Christopher and David, and Sarah’s daughter, Lydia. Her battle with cancer lasted nearly four years, but she refused to be defined by it. Dani consistently outlived every prediction—likely, as she would say, “out of spite.” She met it with grit, humor, and no interest in self-pity. Her brother, John Gomez, stood by her through it all—even through their legendary sibling arguments—and was one of her most constant sources of support. Alongside her three closest friends, he made sure she was never alone and took amazing care of her. Dani also formed unexpected friendships with many of her nurses, who would seek her out just to see what she’d say next. Dani was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Jean Pirovsky, and her father, Eliberto Gomez. She is also survived by her aunts and cousins in Texas, who remained an important part of her extended family and life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations from Purdue University Calumet. She found joy in life’s small chaos—especially playing “Huff N’ Even More Puff” slots, where she always played like she already knew she was about to win. She loved Ozzy Osbourne, especially “Crazy Train,” and had a soft spot for “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison—because even Dani had a reflective side…she just didn’t advertise it. Dani will be remembered for her generosity, humor, loyalty, and the way she showed up for her people and her animals without hesitation or condition. She didn’t live quietly—and she won’t be remembered quietly either. Final note, as Dani would say it herself: “Alright…that’s enough about me. Go tip your server, stop being cheap, spay and neuter your pets. What?” Burns Funeral Home & Crematory entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Dani's online guestbook and obituary at www.BurnsFuneral.com

Daniella "Dani" Gomez

January 23, 1971 - April 19, 2026