Daniella Christian Padilla

Daniella Christian Padilla, lovingly known as Dani, passed away at home on November 8, 2024, at the age of 24, from epilepsy. Born on April 16, 2000, as Darin Christian Padilla, she embraced her true self. She became Daniella on July 31, 2018, a moment that marked her journey of living authentically and inspiring those around her. As a transgender woman who embraced her identity fully, she encouraged others to live their truth without hesitation. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15 in April 2015, Dani faced life's adversities with remarkable strength, courage, and determination. Even in difficult moments following a seizure, she showed remarkable strength by comforting those around her. Her resilience inspired everyone who knew her. Even though she struggled sometimes, her courage shone brightly to those closest to her. She was always hopeful the doctors would find the right combination to control her epilepsy. A vibrant and eclectic soul, Dani was passionate about life's simple joys. She loved spending quality time alone, dancing like no one was watching even when people were; playing her Switch, sitting with her animals, or simply drawing in her sketchbooks. Her passion was crocheting, making jewelry, and going thrifting. She loved soft, squishy stuffed animals and pretty things. She also loved spending time with her family, friends, and especially her boyfriend. She never let anyone leave without hugging them and telling them "To be safe". She was fun to be around - being silly or playing funny tricks or coming up behind you and hugging you. She often liked to "boop" people on the nose. She enjoyed road trips with her mom and simple backyard BBQs with her family, Sunday brunch at home or just sitting in her dad's car watching crazy videos. She was always there for anyone who needed her. If someone just needed to vent or needed support or encouraging words or just to hang out, she was there. She loved fiercely and spoke her truth without hesitation. Life was never boring when Dani was around. She was a pure soul that touched many lives. A devoted admirer of the Moon Goddess and a follower of Wicca, Dani found solace in nature's quiet beauty. Her deep love for animals was evident in how she cared for her own pets or strays or how she simply connected with the creatures she encountered, big or small. She loved quiet moments under the moonlight and enjoyed warm days in the sun tending to the flowers in the garden - always mindful to protect even the smallest creatures she came across. She would pick up worms and other bugs while weeding and put them where no harm would come to them. While thunderstorms unsettled her tremendously, the serenity of the night sky or gentle rain brought her peace. Daniella is deeply missed by her father, Darin O. Padilla, and his girlfriend, Julia Feagin; her mother and stepfather, Roxanne and Shane McCurry; her brother, Dakota Q. Galindo, and his wife, Shelby Flowers Galindo; her sister, Samantha Reitzel, and her husband, James Reitzel, along with their two sons, Logan and Cooper Reitzel; her grandfather, Felimon Gomez; her grandmother, Suzy Schulze-Avitia; her grandfather, Mike McCurry; her aunts, Angelika Schulze and Vanessa Schulze and Mia Padilla, Monica Brown and uncle Ben Padilla; and her loving and supportive boyfriend, Beau Reynolds. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Lupe Gonzalez-Gomez, and paternal grandfather, Jose V. Avitia and step-grandmother, Rachel McCurry, and great-grandmother, Marie Chism. Dani's memory will forever illuminate the hearts of those who cherished her. May she find eternal peace under the light of the moon that guided her journey here on earth. Please join us in celebrating Dani's life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Her service will be held at the Quaker Friends Meeting of Visalia Hall, 17208 Avenue 296, Visalia, CA 93292, from 12pm-3pm. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Daniella Christian Padilla

April 16, 2000 - November 8, 2024