Danielle Ann Sheypuk, 48, a resident of Manhattan, New York, and originally from Jermyn, Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly on Sunday.

Born February 28, 1978 in Scranton, Danielle was the daughter of George and Delores (Fedorchak) Sheypuk.

After graduating from Marywood University in Scranton with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology (2000), Danielle moved to New York City to pursue her Ph.D. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research. Because she was wheelchair-reliant since childhood, Danielle used her personal story in her advocacy work, aiming to break down stigmas and stereotypes of the disabled population.

Danielle won the title of Ms. Wheelchair New York in 2012 and in February 2014 she became the first model in a wheelchair to "walk" the runway at New York Fashion Week. In May 2015, Danielle appeared in her first TEDx Talk, which took place at Barnard College at Columbia University, presented by the Athena Center for Leadership Studies. She discussed the changing culture of American sexuality, and the mainstreaming of people with disabilities as potential romantic and sexual partners in everyday life.

Danielle was honored as an Outstanding Woman with a Physical Disability by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and featured in their Paralysis Resource Guide (Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, "Paralysis Resource Guide," Contributed under "Portraits," Fall/Winter 2013). She was the recipient of The Women's Therapy Center Institute of NYC Award 2015, the Marywood University Alumni Award-Award of Excellence in Health and Human Services 2014 and served as the Ambassador for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation 2014. In 2016, she was honored as one of the "21 Leaders for the 21 Century," as recognized by Women's eNews in New York City.

Danielle was deeply dedicated to her work, having built her own private practice, where she cared for her patients with genuine compassion and love. She had an exceptional sense of style, something she shared with her mother, always putting herself together with effortless taste. New York City was truly her soulmate- she embraced everything it had to offer, from shows and ballets to concerts and fashion, exploring it with energy, curiosity and joy. Lastly, and above all else, was her beloved cat, Lola, who was by her side at all times.

Surviving in addition to her parents is her sister, Dr. Laureen Sheypuk MD of Waverly Township.

The funeral will be at 9:30am on Wednesday, 15th of April, 2026 at All Saints Orthodox Church, 211 Willow Avenue, Olyphant with a Divine Liturgy. Interment to follow, St. Michael's Orthodox Cemetery, Jermyn. The family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday, 14th of April, 2026 from 5 to 7:00 PM at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc, 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit.