Danielle (Dani) Finnigan

Dani Finnigan of Idaho Falls died on October 8, 2024 at EIRMC following complications from surgery after a long period of ill health. It was 4 days after her 52nd birthday.

Dani was born on October 4, 1972 in Placerville, CA. When she was 14 months old the family moved to Idaho, where Dani attended schools in Ammon and Idaho Falls, She was baptized in the Lutheran church. A highlight of her teen years was helicopter skiing in the Tetons and floating the Salmon River, both with her dad. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1991, then briefly attended both the University of Idaho and the University of Utah.

After moving to Louisiana, she graduated in 1998 from the University of New Orleans with a degree in Philosophy. She received the department faculty award as most outstanding philosophy student.

Altogether Dani lived and worked in the New Orleans French Quarter for over ten years. Dani was a talented artist of abstract portraits, working mostly in pastels or oils. She sold much of her art in the French Quarter, plus played guitar, wrote poetry, tended bar, and did house painting. While there, she made many supportive friends. When Hurricane Katrina hit, she refused to abandon her pets and rode out the storm on a second floor. Afterward she walked the Quarter helping any stray or abandoned animals. Some of her strays came back to Idaho Falls to find a new home with her mother.

After a brief time working in Portland, OR, and a short return to New Orleans, Dani came back to Idaho for good to be close to the support of family. Dani is survived by her father, Frank Finnigan (Michelle) and her mother, Karen Finnigan. Also two loving brothers, Bernard Finnigan (Valerie) and Michael Finnigan (Heather). Two nieces and two nephews: Elly, Ian, Josephine, and Theodore, all of whom she doted on. Uncle Tom and Aunt Diana, as well as several other aunts and uncles and numerous cousins who loved her. Her partner Penelope, her husky dog Sivo, and her cats.

Dani's favorite movie was Braveheart. Dani's own heart was so big. She always fought for the less fortunate. She spoiled the birds and squirrels in her back yard garden. If you wish to make a donation in Dani's memory, please consider the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter or a humane society of your choice.

Dani is being cremated and the family is gathering to remember all that made Dani special. Her ashes will be scattered under the golden aspens that she loved.