ST. PAUL - Alysia M. Danielson, 35, of St. Paul, wife of Ben Danielson and mother of Cooper and Sawyer Danielson, passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, surrounded by the love and devotion of her family and friends.
Born in Fairmont, Minn., she was a standout student athlete and graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1992 with honors while achieving all-conference and all-state awards in track and field, and cross country. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of St. Thomas in 1996 with a degree in finance and was recognized as a collegiate All-American in Track and Field. Alysia worked for Travelers Insurance Company, where she was the program manager for its IT global sourcing practice.
Alysia was well-known for her amazing and infectious laugh, her empathetic and compassionate approach to life, intellect, energy, and her love for life and adventure. She surrounded herself with great friends, especially the "2010 girls" and her Travelers work family, providing them a lifetime full of laughter. Alysia's husband and children were the center of her world and the basis for her being.
Alysia is survived by her husband, Ben; her two children, Cooper and Sawyer; father and mother, Tom and Sue Zielske; two sisters, Carmel and Terra; brother, Brad; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH (700 South Snelling Ave., St. Paul). Visitation will be held Monday evening from 4-8 p.m. at O'HALLORAN AND MURPHY FUNERAL HOME (575 South Snelling Ave., St. Paul) (651) 698-0796, and also one hour prior to services at the church Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be sent to the Alysia Danielson Fund and may be deposited at any US Bank branch or sent directly to US Bank, 103 N Park St, Fairmont MN 56031-2823. Phone: (800) 872-2657. Web site: www.usbank.com
Per Alysia's wishes, these funds will be used for her children's college fund. Alternatively, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.