Dareen Cantwell Vaughan

Dareen Vaughan passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025 in Cedar Park Texas in the presence of family and caregivers. Dareen or ‘Dara’ to close friends and family, was born in Austin, Texas to Steven Lafayette (S.L.) and Norma Cantwell.

In her younger years, Dara enjoyed Austin life alongside her two sisters, Jan and Chris. They could often be found at Barton Spring or Stacy Park on a daily basis. Dara attended William B. Travis High School where she played the flute, fell in love with the sport of tennis and was ranked #1 on her H.S. team. Her love of Tennis continued throughout her life, until she swung her racket for the final time at age 75!!

After High School, Dareen attended Southwest Texas State University from 1957-1959, joined Delta Sigma Theta sorority (now Chi Omega), and was a contestant in the Miss Southwest Texas State Beauty pageant. It was during this time that George Burton Vaughan Jr. noticed Dareen and soon swept her off her feet! They married in 1959, moved to Houston and bought their first home where they welcomed their two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Danette.

Dareen was a wonderful loving mother to her daughters. Devoting her life to them and their needs. However, she also took pride in her career. Dareen worked as a bookkeeper for Vaughan and Son Company and VASCO Inc. for over 35 years. She enjoyed working alongside her husband and family until she and Burt retired.

During her retirement Dareen and Burt traveled both locally and abroad. Over the years, they took many trips with family and friends, seeking out new adventures in every corner of the world.

Dareen’s daughters both married and had children of their own which in turn made Dareen a grandmother, better known as “Mema”. She had 3 Grandchildren, Tara, Calan, and Aden, which she completely adored and were the center of her universe.

Dareen’s blessings did not stop there, she also gained the title of “Great Mema” to 7 Great Grandkids, Brody, Tenley, Hunter, Willow, Aria, Summer, and Camila. Throughout the years, Dareen always found special ways to show up for her Grandkids and Great Grandkids no matter where they lived.

Dareen loved her family, first and foremost but also took pride in being a “Texan”. You could always find her walking in Memorial or Bear Creek Park in Houston, working out at the gym - well into her late 70’s, thrifting with her sisters, on the back porch with Burt, having Mexican food and margaritas any day of the week, and keeping up with her family.

Dareen will best be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, who will always be near and dear to her heart.

We will miss her presence and love in our lives but find comfort in knowing she will be first to welcome us HOME when it’s our turn to join her in heaven.

“Here’s to a life well lived. May you rest in eternal peace until we meet again, in the blink of an eye”

Dareen is preceded in death by her Husband, George Burton Vaughan Jr., Sister in-law Joy Lou Painter, Her Parents Norma and S.L. Cantwell, In-Laws Elsie Vaughan and George B. Vaughan Sr., Grandmother Mildred Box, and Nephew Greg Graves.

Dareen is survived by her daughters: Lisa Ann Tobin (Husband Daniel Tobin), and Danette Arrington (Husband Steve Arrington). Grandchildren: Tara Tobin-Rabatin (Husband William Rabatin), Calan Paul Tobin (Wife Alicia Tobin), and Aden Ryan Arrington. Great Grandchildren: Brody Tobin, Tenley Rabatin, Hunter Rabatin, Willow Rabatin, Aria Tobin, Summer Rabatin, Camila Tobin. Sisters: Jan Baycroft (Husband Perry Baycroft), Chris Freeman (Husband Chuck Freeman). Nieces: Courtneay Freeman, and Joy Lynn Painter. Nephews: Gary Graves, and Will Painter.

We would like to extend an invitation for all to join our family for a reception to celebrate both George B. Vaughan Jr. and Dareen Vaughan’s lives immediately after her burial in the Magnolia Reception Venue located in Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Dareen Vaughan’s name.