News Summary
Patricia Daneille Erb, a cherished educator and musician, passed away at the age of 70 in Tucson, Arizona. Known for her dedication to teaching and her loving role as a matriarch, she leaves a legacy of music, community service, and a loving family. A memorial service will be held in her honor.
Tucson, Arizona — Patricia Daneille Erb, a beloved educator, musician, and matriarch, passed away on September 21, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by her loved ones. Daneille, who dedicated her life to nurturing and educating young minds, leaves behind a legacy of love, music, and community service.
Born on August 10, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona, Daneille spent her formative years in several small towns, including Hayden, Thatcher, Bagdad, and Wickenburg, before moving to Bowie, Arizona, as a teenager. There, she graduated as valedictorian from Bowie High School. In 1974, she enrolled at Grand Canyon College (now Grand Canyon University), where she excelled in various activities, including playing tennis and serving as cheer captain for the basketball team.
Daneille met her husband, Jack Erb, during a baseball practice, and the couple quickly fell in love, marrying in December 1975. Shortly after their wedding, they were sealed for eternity in the Mesa Arizona LDS temple. For the next 49 years, they built a loving family, raising five children together.
After completing her degree in elementary education, Daneille began her teaching career in the Peoria Unified School District. Following the birth of her five children, she paused her career to focus on nurturing their education. She returned to teaching when her youngest child entered elementary school, working first at Apache Elementary and later at Sahuaro Ranch. In 2003, she earned a master’s degree in elementary reading and literacy and served as a reading specialist until her retirement in 2012.
Daneille was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taking on various roles within the children’s and youth groups. Her passion for music was evident through her leadership in the church choir, her participation in regional choir events, and her performances as a soloist.
In addition to her career and community involvement, Daneille cherished her role as a grandmother to her 15 grandchildren, affectionately known as “Dee Dee.” In 2015, she launched “Dee Dee’s Preschool” for local children and created educational lesson plans for her out-of-state grandchildren. She taught them various musical instruments, including piano, violin, guitar, and Irish whistle, further fostering her love for music within her family.
Daneille also enjoyed hosting family gatherings, which included fun activities like sleepovers, water days, and movie marathons. Her passion for travel took her to 54 countries across six continents, and she was in the process of planning a trip to Antarctica. Notably, she celebrated her 70th birthday at Disneyland during the park’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
She is survived by her devoted husband Jack, their five children, and 15 grandchildren. Daneille also leaves behind her brothers Alan and Randy Forrest. She was preceded in death by her parents D.B. “Dan” and Patricia Forrest, along with her brothers Mike and Kent Forrest.
A memorial service to honor Patricia Daneille Erb is set for October 9, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Surprise, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Reading Is Fundamental, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and literacy.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15: Arizona Music Teacher’s Dream
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- AZCentral: Mesa Public Schools Music Program
- Google Search: Mesa Public Schools Music Program
- KTAR: Guitar Club at Juvenile Detention
- Google Scholar: Music Programs Juvenile Detention
- AZFamily: Polynesian Dance School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dance
- ABC15: Transforming Lives through Music
- Google News: Rosie’s House Music
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