Winona Darlene Deren

Darlene will be lovingly missed and forever remembered by her son Brennon Deren; daughter Shannon Jimenez (Hector); and grandchildren, Rhiannon, Carys, Nikolas and Quinn. Left to cherish Darlene’s memory also are her sisters, Faye (Robert) and Karen (Norman), her circle of close wonderful girlfriends and her large spiritual family.

Darlene was predeceased by her husband, Robert Allen Deren and her parents Frances and Clifford Rathwell.

Darlene was born on March 14, 1945. She grew up in Holland, MB with her parents and her siblings, Faye and Karen.

Under the example of her mother, she grew up with a spirit of love, patience and generosity and so began a great love for her Creator, Jehovah God.

In 1964 this beauty met the love of her life, a handsome boy from Silver, MB named Robert Deren. On August 8, 1964 they tied the knot in Arborg, MB and settled down in this small town. They welcomed Shannon in December 1968 and Brennon in July 1973. And proceeded to build a family and spiritual life in the town of Arborg.

Although times were not always easy for Darlene she always managed to find the bright side in everything which was one of her true gifts. She became a Special Ed teacher for the School

Division for the next 20 years while raising her family and being involved in her congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In 2014, her husband of almost 50 years passed away from cancer. She tended to him the whole time, taking him to appointments and passing on hope and strength to him and her children. When he passed away, Darlene made the decision to move west to Chilliwack, British Columbia to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

This ended up being a rewarding time in her life as she forged new friendships and explored travel and really explored the Cottonwood Mall!!

In her time in BC, Darlene made numerous trips to Mexico, Atlantic Canada, New York, Boston and she cruised the islands of the Caribbean. . In all her adventures connecting with her spiritual brothers and sisters was very important. She always made many new friends on her travels. She was still planning her next trip as early as a few months ago as she definitely caught the travel bug!

She loved organizing little get-togethers with her spiritual family and having her little group of loyal girlfriends, “the Gals” over for wine and appies! The simple joys in life gave Darlene the most pleasure and she relished every moment.

Darlene was baptized in Selkirk, MB in 1963. Her greatest love throughout her life was sharing the Bible with others and serving her God, Jehovah. She had an extreme strong faith in the promises from God and the resurrection hope (Rev. 21:3,4) as well as the promise that the earth would become a Paradise again.

The Jimenez and Deren family would like to thank all the doctors and staff at the Chilliwack General Hospital for the support and help they gave making our mother comfortable. We deeply appreciate the comfort and care that Mom had in her final days. For all those who lovingly sent flowers, cards, food, gifts and kept mom and all of us in your loving prayers, we thank you. The support we have felt has been immensely comforting to us.

Cremation will take place and a memorial will be held on December 3 at 2 pm PST at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on 45660 Watson Road, Chilliwack BC

The services can also be observed via zoom

Zoom #931 4860 8007

Password 841234

We love you forever and always.