Danielle Elizabeth (Molinari) Werth

Danielle Elizabeth Werth, age 43, passed on into glory on Friday, July 31, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 11, 1982 in Highland Park, Illinois to the union of Leroy August Molinari and Barbara Jean Manley.

Danielle was raised in the Highwood area, where she developed a lifelong passion for learning, helping others, and serving her community. She attended Oak Terrace Elementary School, Christian Heritage Academy, Northwood Middle School, and graduated from Highland Park High School with the Class of 2000. During her high school years, she competed on the water polo team and on the swim team, being named team captain during her senior year.  She also participated in the Girl Scouts of America as a young girl.

Danielle's dedication to the Girl Scouts continued well into adulthood. After years of participation as a scout, she proudly became a Girl Scout Leader, serving troops in Vernon Hills and Gurnee. She participated in other organizations that reflected her caring spirit, such as Girls on the Run where she mentored young girls, building their physical, emotional, and social abilities.   

Following high school, Danielle attended the College of Lake County before transferring to Southern Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in special education. She devoted her career to education as a Special Education Teacher at an elementary school in Glencoe School District 35. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in every child's potential left a lasting impact on countless students and their families. Beyond the classroom, Danielle also tutored many children, helping them build confidence and achieve academic success.

Danielle embraced life with determination and enthusiasm. As an adult, she completed a triathlon and participated in other races alongside friends and her sister, Nikki. These accomplishments reflected her perseverance and adventurous spirit. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, she cheered for her team wherever she and her family happened to be. It was a lifelong devotion, lovingly passed down from Grandma and Grandpa Molinari.

On June 4, 2010, Danielle married Mark Werth. Although their paths later changed, the greatest blessing of their marriage was their beloved daughter, Gianna, who was the center of Danielle's world. Being Gianna's mother was Danielle's proudest role, and she cherished every moment they shared together.

Danielle will be remembered for her generous heart, warm smile, nurturing spirit, contagious laugh, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether she was teaching in the classroom, leading Girl Scouts, supporting a struggling student, or spending time with family and friends, Danielle made everyone around her feel valued and loved. Her kindness and compassion will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Gianna Werth; her mother, Barbara Molinari of McHenry; her father, Leroy (Jan) Molinari of Highwood; her sisters, Nikki (Phil) Jones of Brownsburg, Indiana, Laura Molinari of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Rachel Molinari of East Troy, Wisconsin, and Meagan (Garrett) Eischen of Vernon Hills, Illinois; her step-brother, Rich (Heather) Whalen of Lockport, Illinois; and her grandmother, Nancy Molinari, widow of the late Donald Molinari, of Deerfield, Illinois.

Danielle is also survived by her aunt, Deborah Stubitsch of Florida; her aunt, Cathy Martinek, widow of the late Marty Martinek, of Wisconsin; her aunt, Debra Patterson, widow of the late John Patterson, of Alexis, Illinois; her uncle, Kenneth Molinari of Lake Villa, Illinois; and by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Joan Manley, her grandfather Donald Molinari, and her uncles, Kevin Manley and John Young.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 North Waukegan Road (Routes 43 & 60), Lake Forest, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to an Autism Charity of your choice in Danielle's memory. As a devoted Special Education Teacher who dedicated her life to supporting children of all abilities, Danielle believed every child deserved the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Memorial gifts made in her honor will help continue that mission and serve as a lasting tribute to her compassionate heart and lifelong commitment to helping others.

Danielle's love, kindness, and dedication to her family, friends, students, and community will never be forgotten. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

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