Remi Faye McDaniel (7) of Philpot, KY earned her place among the stars on December 7, 2023, after a fierce 16 month battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Remi was born on July 21, 2016, to Zachary and Hannah (Dunn) McDaniel. Remi was one in a million- a wise soul- well beyond her years. She was absolutely beautiful and well-known for her long eyelashes, chubby cheeks, and big brown eyes. She had the best personality, most infectious laugh, and warm smile. She was hilarious, witty, and super smart. Those who knew Remi know of her love of all things cat and cat related. Remi was known for her stubbornness, spunk, and sass. She did things on her time and at her pace. Her resilience and strength were unmatched, and she wasn’t going to abide by any statistics or timelines Doctors had given her. She did things on her terms until the end. Remi loved being outdoors. She would often be seen swinging, riding her bike, playing ‘races’, or picking her Momma the most beautiful assortment of wildflowers- which mostly consisted of dandelions. Remi was an empathetic and generous soul. She would always put others first. She was a natural caretaker and would have made an excellent nurse- as she wished to be when she grew up. She loved baking cakes, cupcakes, and playing restaurant. She also was a big fan of pretend school- which 99% of the time ended with her sending her Daddy to the Principal’s office. She was the best artist and creative writer. Remi was such a happy, pretty girl. She knew where she was going and wasn’t scared. She had a love for Jesus and Heaven. She knew she was immensely loved beyond all measure. Remi knew that many would be saddened by her passing, but she wouldn’t want you to forget about all the good times she had here on Earth during her short 7 years. She loved her Rally-4-Remi community. She is no longer trapped in a deteriorating body, and thankfully, she never experienced any pain. She is now free and renewed. Remi, in her selfless natural fashion, is continuing her fight by donating her brain and spinal cord to Koschmann Lab, to help get one step closer to a cure for this horrible disease.
Remi is preceded in death by her Grandmother- Rhonda ‘Memaw’ McDaniel, Great Grandparents- Eddie (Jeanette) Powers, William ‘Grandaddy’ (Velma) Dunn, and her beloved pets- Chester, Lenox, Tessa, and most of all, Harry Kitty.
She is survived by her parents, grandparents- Kenny ‘Pap’ (Janet ‘Gremol’) Dunn, Bob ‘Papaw’ McDaniel, great-grandparents Mike (Martha) Brumley, Uncle Corey McDaniel, her Special Aunt Hannah, her favorite cousin, Adalynn Jane, and Ashleigh McDaniel. She also leaves behind her beloved pet cats- Penny, Sheila, Cookie, and Petunia.
The McDaniel family would like to thank Owensboro Health’s Pediatric floor staff, Country Heights Elementary School Staff, as well as Dr. Nicole Davis, Dr. Elizabeth Martin, Dr. Ralph Vatner, The Barrett Center Radiation Oncology Staff, Rebecca Calvert, NP, Hospice nurse Jamison, and most importantly Dr. Carl Koschmann for providing hope, along with the most excellent care and dedication for Remi.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, December 15, 2023, from 2 pm to 7 pm at Bittel Hall, 6191 HWY 54, Philpot, KY 42366. Refreshments will be provided. Be sure to wear your Rally-4-Remi shirt if you have one!
Donations can be made to Koschmann Lab (https://www.koschmannlab.org/donate) or to the Owensboro Humane Society. 3101 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301, in honor of Remi’s love for cats.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Remi Faye McDaniel. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Remi and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.