Sarah Johnson
Danielle's childhood friend and NYC companion
Published on: August 13,2025
Five special places that capture Danielle's spirit in the city she loved
Sarah Johnson
Danielle's childhood friend and NYC companion
Published on: August 13,2025
Danielle Spencer brought light to every New York City street she walked. Her laughter echoed through Central Park, her curiosity illuminated museum galleries, and her kindness touched everyone she met in this bustling metropolis.
As we remember Danielle, these five iconic NYC locations represent moments of joy, discovery, and connection that characterized her beautiful life. Each place holds memories that those who loved her can visit to feel her presence.
A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again."
— Maya Angelou
Here are five places where Danielle's spirit shines brightly in New York City:
The east meadow near 97th Street was where Danielle would greet nearly every morning with yoga and meditation.
Danielle organized sunrise group meditations here every summer solstice, welcoming strangers to join her peaceful start to the day.
East Meadow near the 97th Street entrance. Look for the oak tree where she tied a pink ribbon that still remains.
Watch the sunrise from her spot or tie a ribbon to the memorial tree with your favorite inspirational quote.
Danielle would sit for hours sketching this ancient Egyptian temple, finding inspiration in its enduring beauty.
She once organized a surprise birthday party here, with friends appearing one by one to join her "casual museum visit."
The Sackler Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. Open Sunday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm.
Sketch the temple as she did, or simply sit quietly in contemplation as the afternoon light streams through the glass walls.
Danielle walked the bridge every Sunday morning, often stopping to photograph the changing light on the cables.
She created an annual "Bridge Walk" fundraiser for literacy programs, leading groups while sharing NYC history stories.
Start at City Hall Park in Manhattan or Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn. Walk at golden hour for the most breathtaking views she loved.
Walk the bridge while listening to her favorite playlist (link in memorial site) or donate to the literacy fund she supported.
After every big life event - good or bad - Danielle would come here for a classic NY slice.
She knew all the counter staff by name and would often pay for slices for homeless individuals who came in.
7 Carmine St, open daily until 4am. Ask for "Danielle's usual" - a plain slice with extra oregano and chili flakes.
Buy a slice for someone in need or share your own life updates over pizza as she would have done.
Danielle volunteered weekly in the community garden, teaching neighborhood children about urban gardening.
She started the "Sunflower Project" - planting sunflowers each spring that would tower over the park by summer.
West 79th Street Garden in Riverside Park. The bench with her memorial plaque faces her beloved sunflower beds.
Volunteer with the garden group (sign-up sheet on site) or plant sunflowers in your own space using seeds from "Danielle's Sunflower Project."
Interactive map showing all of Danielle's special places
Click on each location for memories shared by friends
Did you share a special moment with Danielle at one of these locations or elsewhere in NYC? Add your memory to our community tribute.
Danielle Spencer taught us how to find beauty in everyday moments and how to create community wherever we go. These five locations represent just a fraction of the places she illuminated with her presence, but they offer tangible spaces where we can feel connected to her memory.
The greatest tribute we can offer is to live as Danielle did - with curiosity, compassion, and an open heart. Visit these spots not just to remember her, but to embody the qualities she exemplified: the joy of a morning sunrise, the wonder before great art, the simple pleasure of good food shared, and the satisfaction of nurturing growth in our communities.
"While we mourn Danielle's physical absence, her essence remains in these city spaces she loved. Visit them not with sadness, but with the same delight she would have felt - and in doing so, keep her radiant spirit alive."
If you'd like to contribute to the memorial fund established in Danielle's name, donations support the literacy programs and community gardens she championed. Thank you for helping her legacy continue to grow, just like her beloved sunflowers reaching for the sky.
Supporting literacy programs and community gardens in New York City
Funding children's literacy programs in underserved schools
Supporting community gardens and horticulture education
Small grants for neighborhood improvement projects
100% of donations go directly to program funding
