A Santa Maria Valley woman who rocketed into retirement from the aerospace industry by volunteering for many organizations, especially those focused on youths and education, has been remembered for her strong will, big heart and sense of humor.

Maggi Daane, 77, died Saturday after battling cancer, her daughter announced. 

Daane worked at Vandenberg Air Force Base for 25 years for Martin Marietta Corp., which later became Lockheed Martin Corp. She retired in January 2006 as its public relations/protocol/ethics manager. 

Retirement didn’t mean rest for Daane.

At the time of her death, she served on the Santa Barbara County Board of Education, representing Trustee Area 7, a portion of north Santa Maria. She joined the board in 2016 and began her current four-year term in 2022.

“Maggi brought dynamic energy and insightful perspective to her work on the County Board of Education,” Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido said. “Known for her charm and lightheartedness, she was also respected as a fierce and courageous leader when it came to standing up for all children and youth in our county.”

While on the board, Daane served on the selection committee for teacher of the year, displaying her appreciation for educators and enjoyment spending time with students and staff on campuses, Salcido added.

“We are deeply grateful for Maggi’s leadership and service as a member of the County Board of Education. She will always be remembered for her generosity, compassion, and genuine love for the children of Santa Barbara County,” Salcido said.

The board is expected to discuss filling the vacancy at the Dec. 8 meeting. A provisional appointment must be done by Jan. 24 by someone who lives in the Trustee Area 7.

Daane also was in the middle of a two-year stint as president of the Allan Hancock College Foundation board. She joined the board in 2017.

“Maggi Daane was truly one of a kind,” said Jon Hooten, executive director of the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “Our community lost a natural leader and a true advocate for education, guided by principle and compelled by compassion. 

“Her family and friends lost a spitfire of a woman — classy and sassy with a quick wit and a heart of gold. We won’t soon forget this remarkable human.”

Daane, who lived in the Santa Maria Valley for more than four decades, graduated from Santa Barbara High School. She is a life member of the Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association. 

Through the years, she volunteered for organizations throughout the community, including the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council, Marian Regional Medical Center and the Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County. 

She is a former CASA Board of Directors member, a life member of the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation, and was involved in fundraising efforts for CALM, the North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center, the Santa Maria Valley Boys and Girls Club, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA and more. 

Daane accumulated various honors and awards, including from the Santa Barbara Foundation. 

Survivors include her daughter, Meggan McNichols Rodarte, and two grandchildren. 

Plans for a memorial service were still being finalized this week. Arrangements are under the care of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary.