Danielle L. Randolph ’04

ROCKLAND — A raging blonde, seaworthy mariner and loved by anyone who had the privilege of spending more than five minutes with her, Danielle Laura Randolph, 34, was lost at sea Oct. 1, 2015, with her fellow shipmates of the El Faro. Danielle was the second mate of the 791-foot cargo ship, which sailed between Jacksonville, Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Danielle was a 2000 graduate of Rockland District High School. She was a member of the class of 2004 at Maine Maritime Academy and received her bachelor’s degree in marine transportation. Fortified by faith, she attended the Advent Christian Church in Port Clyde.

She was never far from Port Clyde, where she spent much of her childhood with her beloved Tata, growing up on and off the docks of her great uncle Johnny’s wharf. Danielle was a firecracker exploding with life. She had an infectious energy, and shared a love of laughter with her mother, Laurie. Her hobbies included retro fashion, photography, Zumba, cooking and throwing themed parties for her friends and family that put Martha Stewart to shame.

She delighted in political banter, enjoyed ’80s music, snowmobiling with her kid brother, Nick, deer hunting with Randy and all things pumpkin spice. Beloved by her daddy, Ken, she was generous with others, giving of her time and quick to lend a hand or the shirt off her back. Danielle propelled herself through life like a steamship, moving up the ranks at work, often as the only female on board.

She played an important role in the lives of her friends – especially their children – she was the best crazy auntie on earth! She particularly cherished time with dear friends Kate Gorman, Norrie and Jessie Thompson and children Christy, Clara and Oliver. She lived with a joie de vivre that she shared with everyone who knew her. Her love of the sea was stronger than the hurricane that took the lives of the 33 crew members of the El Faro.

She was tough as nails with a pink manicure.

Danielle is survived by her mother, Laurie Bobillot, and partner Randy Cayemberg; his daughter, Alison (like a kid sister to Danielle); and his parents (Danielle’s honorary grandparents), Joe and Marge Konkel; her father, Kenneth Randolph; brother Nicholas Randolph and girlfriend Samantha Jackson; sisters Shelby, Christa and Leeanne Palmer; uncles and aunties David and Maria Randolph, Donald and Virginia Randolph, and Carla and Michael McCormack; cousins Stephen, Brett, Chad, Carlyn, Devi, Kristopher, Keith, Caleb, and Kyle Randoph; great-uncle Eugene Ranwez; cousins Alain and Kathy Ranwez and children Jennifer and Danielle Ranwez; and extended family in Paris, France.

She was predeceased by her grandmother, Leontine Bobillot (Mimi), great-aunt Elsie C. Hupper (Tata); great-aunt Henriette Ranwez and Brittany Cayemberg.

A memorial service will be held for Danielle Thursday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. at Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Danielle’s honor to Maine Maritime Academy to support female students of valor and spirit. Checks can be addressed to Maine Maritime Academy, c/o Development Office, 1 Pleasant St, Castine, ME 04420 with “Danielle Randolph Fund” in the memo.

“It is with a heavy heart that I return to sea, but grateful for the memories with one of El Faro’s Thirty-Three.” – From a close friend and fellow mariner.