Danielle “Dani” Nicole Fain-Maddox
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Danielle “Dani” Nicole Fain-Maddox, 40, passed away on October 21, 2025, at
Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Dani was born on April 3, 1985, to Cynthia Carel-Zanka and Terrance Fain. The
oldest of three children, she grew up alongside her siblings, Jacob Fain and Sara
Fain. In 1998, the family made their home at Ellsworth Air Force Base. In 2004,
Dani relocated with her father to Jefferson City, Missouri, where her brother later
joined them in 2013.
Dani found great joy and purpose in her work in the medical field as a Certified
Medical Assistant. Her caring nature and dedication to helping others touched
many lives. Following a heart transplant in 2022, she faced her health challenges
with courage and grace, ultimately finding new paths to express her strength and
compassion.
On May 3, 2018, Dani’s life was forever changed with the birth of her beloved
daughter, Haylee Nicole Fain-Maddox — the light of her life and her greatest joy.
Dani is survived by her daughter, Haylee; her mother, Cynthia Carel-Zanka, and
stepfather, Robert Zanka of Rapid City, SD; her brother, Jacob Fain of California,
MO; her sister, Sara Fain of Rapid City, SD; and her stepmother, Christie Fain of
Jefferson City, MO. Her nieces, Aniah Perry and Tessa Fain; & her nephew, Declan
Fain-Torres.
She is also survived by Melissa (Rich) O’Guin, Mary Michele (Becky Barry) Fischer,
Evie Carel, Eileen Hicks, Linda Hudson, Bill (Melody) Fain, Jay Garber, Ron
(Melinda) Carel, Jim (Rita) Carel, and Denny (Linda) Carel; and numerous cousins
and friends who will miss her dearly.
Dani was preceded in death by her father, Terrance Fain; paternal grandparents,
Jesse and Connemara (Welch) Fain; uncles John Hudson and Patrick Fain; Aunt
Deborah Garber; maternal grandparents, Bernard Carel and Virgina (Greassle)
Carel and Aunt Judith Carel.
A celebration of Dani’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00
a.m. at First Baptist Church in Eldon, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to
attend and share memories of Dani’s beautiful life.
Dani will be remembered for her loving heart, bright spirit, and unshakable
devotion to her family — especially her daughter, Haylee. Though her time with
us was far too short, her memory will forever remain a source of love and light for
all who knew her.
I am so sorry about the loss of Dani. I knew her parents and sister, Sara. Prayers for her family and friends.
SHES HERE IN A SINCE , WEN UR DOING SOMETHING DUMB N KNOW SHE’D TELL U BOUT IT , OR MOUTH OFF TO YOU , YOU SET BACK & SMILE OR A TEAR MIGHT ROLL DOWN UR FACE , IN OUR HEART , OUR MINDS & THOUGHTS SHE’LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ESPECIALLY HER LOUD ASS MOUTH , NOBODY EVER TAUGHT HER WHAT INSIDE VOICE IS ! BUT SHE HAS A LEGACY TO HER DAUGHTER (HALEY)SAME LOUDNESS SAME BOSSY WAYS .
TO: DANIELLE ( JIMMY MORRIS SAYS HE LOVES & WILL MISS YOU FOREVER , LIFE IS GONNA BE HARD FOR ME NOW , NO ONE TO BOSS ME AROUND AND KEEP ME IN LINE, I LOVE YOU , YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART ,MIND ,SOUL… WE WILL MEET AGAIN IN THE AFTERLIFE HOPE YOU WILL WAIT ON ME …LOVE ALWAYS JIMMY MORRIS
So sorry to hear about the passing of your daughter, Dani. She sounds like an inspiration for many. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. 💕🙏
Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. She will be remembered in our prayers. May God be your strength and comfort during these difficult times. It’s so hard to lose our loved ones but we will see them again in heaven. Love and prayers, Kim and Wayne Trachsel
I had not seen Danielle for some time. We had some great memories from years ago. I’m so sorry to hear about her passing. Sending love and light and many prayers from my family to yours.
“Dani, watch over that babygirl of yours and always leave signs that you are there with her. Never, ever make her wonder.”