Darlene Driedger

Lydia Darlene Driedger, known as “Darlene”, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2018 at the age of 87 at the Simkin Centre personal care home in Lindenwoods. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Leo, daughter Diane (Gerry), son Dale (Jodian), grandson Jay-Ar and granddaughter Annika. Darlene was born in Meno, Oklahoma July 29, 1931, the youngest of 6 siblings. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Bethel College in Kansas and obtained a teaching certificate and later travelled to Chicago to attend the Mennonite Seminary. It was during her college years that she met Leo Driedger from Osler, Saskatchewan. They married in Chicago in June 1956. Darlene was a quiet leader, known for her practical solutions to issues that concerned her family, her church, the community and her working life. She had a commitment to the equality of women in the home, workplace and community. In the late 1970s, Darlene was the first woman executive member of the Manitoba Conference of Mennonites, where she served as Secretary and Vice-Chair. She also served on the church council of Charleswood Mennonite Church where she raised funds for the church addition. She also was on the planning committee for Bethel Place and was on the fundraising committee of the Mennonite Central Committee Sargent Avenue Thrift Store where she volunteered for many years. Darlene worked as Administrative Coordinator with the Manitoba Association of Social Workers in the 1980s. She had a determined commitment to ensuring that justice would be done, from housing Vietnam war resisters in her home in the 1970s, to being a volunteer counselor at the YWCA Women’s Centre. Darlene was a leadership role model for her daughter Diane and other young women. A funeral service will be held at the Charleswood Mennonite Church, 699 Haney St. on Tuesday, November 13,2018 at 10:00 AM. Memorial donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (Canada).