Obituaries

Daniele “Coco” Willis of Fremont, CA, passed away September 12th, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). She was born August 3rd, 1951, to Marcel Knuchel and Suzanne Van Dam in Zurich, Switzerland; immigrating with her family to the United States when she was five years old. She was raised in Redwood City, CA where she worked full time while completing high school, instilling in her a life-long work ethic that she would pass on to her sons. She went on to become a successful Executive Assistant in San Jose, where she raised her two sons with her former husband, Steve (Ligaya).

Daniele was an avid health enthusiast, cook, music lover, 49er fan, and porcelain/teddy bear collector, but her biggest pleasure in life was spending time with her grandchildren. Daniele loved her significant other Mark, whom she spent many wonderful years with in their Fremont home, surrounded by their dogs and loving caregivers.

She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her sons Ryan (Jennifer) and Kevin (Rosanne); grandchildren Sydney, Gabe, Stephen, Katelyn, and Kyle; significant other Mark; sisters Colette and Fran, and brother Tim.

A Chapel Service will be held at 1pm on Sunday, September 17th at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94536. Anyone in the area is welcome to stop in and pay their respects.

A Celebration of Life lunch will be held at a later date in the future.