Dr. Monica Ina Mogel Daniel of Mableton, GA passed away on December 31, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was 81 years old.
Monica was born on August 7, 1942, in Vienna, Austria to Bojana Crum and Heinrich Kuno “HK” Mogel. After her father died in WWII, her mother married Dr. Carroll M. Crum, a dentist in the United States military. During her childhood years, Dr. Daniel lived in New Jersey and Maryland but eventually settled in Augusta, GA.
Dr. Daniel attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Augusta, GA but after Dr. Crum got stationed in Seoul, South Korea, she graduated from Independent High School in 1960.
She returned to the United States to attend The University of Georgia and received a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree of Biology with a minor in Agriculture in 1964. She continued her education at The University of Georgia and received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1967. She was the first of two women to graduate with an advanced degree in this program.
Dr. Daniel was an accomplished veterinarian who practiced medicine for 50 years. She owned Ambrey Animal Hospital in Atlanta, GA for over 30 years and poured her heart and soul into the care of many animals. She built special relationships with her clients and their families which filled her heart. If you knew, Dr. Daniel, you knew her soul purpose and passion was to take care of animals. She couldn’t have accomplished any of it without the help and sacrifice of her mother Bojana, who worked several jobs to pay for her education. Dr. Daniel was a true trailblazer during a time when women weren’t typically receiving advanced degrees.
During her career Dr. Daniel gave back to the community by donating her time and talents to several rescue organizations including the Atlanta Humane Society and Rescue Me Georgia. She was passionate about her efforts to advocate for the rights of animals.
When not working Dr. Daniel enjoyed trips to the beach, ballroom dancing, reading, yoga, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Daniel loved music, movies, exercising and her beautiful backyard that included a koi pond. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and leaves behind so many beautiful memories. Her smile, her sense of humor and love for others will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Dr. Monica Daniel is survived by her three children, Kai Rowlson (Melissa) of Acworth, GA, Kara Gullo (JF) of Roswell, GA, and Lara Belcastro (Brett) of Powder Springs, GA, as well as her seven grandchildren, Kai and Nolan Rowlson, McKenna, Molly and Jack Gullo, Mila and Mary Dean Belcastro.
The family will be holding a private celebration of life this summer at the beach - her “happy place.” In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Atlanta Humane Society https://atlantahumane.org/ or Rescue Me Georgia https://www.rmgdogs.org in honor of our mother, Dr. Monica Daniel.
