Dayna is survived by her father, Robert Silverman of Bradenton, FL; her brother, Justin Silverman of Chalfont, PA; her sister, Amber Silverman of Philadelphia, PA; and her grandfather, Roger Ulshafer Sr. of Cape Coral, FL.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Silverman (née Ulshafer); her paternal uncle, Michael Silverman; her paternal grandmother, Sandee Silverman (née Syderman); and her maternal grandmother, Margaret Ulshafer (née Fillary).

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Dayna spent most of her life in New Jersey, living in Mount Laurel, Oaklyn, and Camden. Losing her mother at a very young age shaped much of her early life. She moved through adolescence with grief, anxiety, and deep insecurities, but she continued striving to understand herself and where she belonged. She was proud to graduate from Sequoia High School in Marlton, NJ and looked forward to studying Criminal Justice in college.

Dayna’s life took a difficult turn when she became involved with people who did not have her best interests at heart. She tried heroin for the first time at 17, hoping to understand the pain her late mother endured and to feel close to someone she never had the chance to truly know. The substance quickly took hold. Despite the efforts of friends, family, and professionals who tried to guide her toward safety and recovery, the storm of addiction overwhelmed her ability to break free.

As the years passed, it became increasingly difficult to communicate with her, locate her, or recognize the person she once was. Those who loved her held out hope that she might begin a new chapter, but her story grew more complicated. She became more compulsive and isolated, her tolerance increased, and her safety was compromised daily. She endured severe withdrawal, profound loss of self, and the deaths of many close friends and partners. Her world seemed to collapse around her, and the very thing that soothed her was the thing that harmed her most.

There were numerous attempts to help her enter long‑term rehabilitation across several states. She left many programs against medical advice. She was nearly featured on the A&E show Intervention before disappearing. She was awarded a scholarship for a rehabilitation program in California but could not bring herself to go. She was offered multiple free opportunities at a local rehab, yet the pull of addiction remained stronger. Over the course of 16 years, Dayna entered and left treatment facilities well over one hundred times. She hated the life she was trapped in, but the fear of change — compounded by the agony of withdrawal — was overwhelming.

Her final six years were defined by exhaustion beyond anything imaginable. She was unhoused in Camden, NJ for much of that time, endured significant trauma and abuse, experienced countless relapses and overdoses, and relied heavily on systems that tried to support her. She frequented Cooper University Hospital and many other hospitals, detoxes, and rehabilitation centers throughout New Jersey. Even in the midst of daily hardship, she held onto hope that one day she might find peace in recovery.

Dayna took her final breath before dawn on Christmas Eve. She was alone, with no one there to revive her. Because she could not be identified, her family did not learn of her passing for nine days. A new year had already begun. Amid the shock and grief, her family and friends mourned not only her death but also the difficult life she endured. Losing a loved one to addiction means grieving them long before they are gone, and then grieving them all over again when they truly pass. It is a pain that is nearly impossible to comprehend. Her family never wanted to lose her in either realm and always knew she longed to heal. She was loved fiercely, and she always will be.

Despite her struggles, Dayna was a vibrant, creative, quick‑witted, and thoughtful soul. She had a sharp sense of humor and loved offering compliments to strangers and friends alike. She was artistic, adored children and animals, and had a deep connection to music across all genres. She checked in on the people she cared about and, to her closest friends, she remained someone with a positive outlook, a bubbly personality, and an infectious energy. She was charismatic, full of inside jokes, and shared an unshakeable bond with her siblings.

Active addiction is a turbulent experience for everyone involved. It brings highs and lows, missed milestones, painful boundaries, and guilt that lingers for a lifetime. It affects countless families, yet stigma and misunderstanding remain widespread. People living with addiction do not deserve judgment or isolation — they deserve compassion. Dayna was never proud of her addiction, nor did she glorify the lifestyle that came with it. She wanted what everyone wants: a healthy, happy life. Addiction is a chronic mental health disorder, and it should be treated as such.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who loved Dayna authentically and held her in a positive light. They also thank the professionals and organizations who supported her throughout her journey — the nurses, counselors, doctors, technicians, clinics, hospital systems, detoxes, rehabilitation centers, and the Oaklyn and Camden Police Departments. Dayna never forgot the kindness shown to her in her most vulnerable moments.

Dayna would want anyone suffering from addiction to seek the help and peace they so deeply deserve. She would want their lives to be filled with hope and purpose. She would want others to know that wellness is possible, even though her own journey ended differently. May this obituary stand as a reminder that individuals facing addiction are loved, valued, and deserving of respect, dignity, and humanity.

A private celebration of Dayna’s life will be held by her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to The Cooper Foundation, 101 Haddon Avenue, Suite 302, Camden, NJ 08103, or online at:

https://foundation.cooperheal…

Donations will support the Addiction Treatment & The Center for Healing Fund.

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