December 31, 1963 – April 20, 2026
With heavy hearts, the family of Daniela Erika Nekuliak (née Daberer) sadly announce her passing on Monday, April 20th, 2026 at the age of 62.
Daniela was born in Port Arthur and grew up on Lakeshore Drive, where she enjoyed many happy times with family and friends. She was well-known for her caring and generous nature, dependability, and sense of humour. Daniela met Owen Nekuliak while in Grade 1 at McKenzie School, marking the beginning of their deep friendship, then love and life together for the next 57 years. They married in 1988 and lived for many years in Shuniah, before moving into town (Port Arthur). Daniela devoted herself to their family home, helped manage the family welding business alongside Owen, and throughout her life was quick to lend a helping hand to others.
Daniela loved organizing and celebrating special occasions with friends and loved ones, as well as travelling to visit her children and grandchildren. She loved the outdoors – fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking – and was an excellent cook and gardener. Daniela also enjoyed crafting, sewing, and cared deeply for dogs and animals.
She is predeceased by her father, Kurt Daberer, sister-in-law Kelly Daberer (Volker), and her parents-in-law, Wasyl “Bill” and Violet Nekuliak.
Left to mourn are her loving husband of 38 years, Owen; her mother, Inge (Kurt) Daberer; her children, Chris (Sean) Daberer, Victoria (Shane) Nekuliak, and Erika (Tanner) Nekuliak; and her cherished grandchildren, Deegan, Abygail, and Annabelle Gatehouse. She is also survived by her siblings, Peter, Volker (Val), and Erich (Lori) Daberer; her brother-in-law, Brad (Diane) Nekuliak; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites those who wish to make a donation in memory of Daniela to the Ontario SPCA & Humane Society (please select the Thunder Bay District), supporting the care and protection of animals in need.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
