Darlene Fischer

It is with great sorrow that we share the loss of Caretta Darlene Fischer on February 7, 2022, in Bellevue Washington. A longtime resident of Renton, Washington, Dar was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was greatly beloved by all who knew her. She nourished all she knew, friend and family alike, with her kindness and generosity, as well as with countless meals prepared and served with love.

Born on July 15, 1933, in Bend, Oregon to Roland and Eva Shepard, Dar was the seventh of eleven children. She was raised in Prineville on the family farm and shared many stories of the fun and challenges she and her siblings experienced. While being chased by goats and owls in the yard, spending hours in the garden weeding and picking berries, and then caring and cooking for her siblings, Dar learned not only how to care for a home, but the riches of family and a simple life.

On July 11, 1952 Darlene married Charles Ivan Fischer, to whom she would remain dedicated for the rest of her life. She and Chuck began their family in Prineville, on land next to her family home. The two had their first children there, Carla Lee and Charles Michael, before relocating to Renton in 1961. Once there, they purchased a home and they added to their young family with the birth of Cheryl Eva and Craig Dwayne. Dar kept that house full of love and laughter for the remainder of her life. With holidays and birthday celebrations, and bunko and pinochle parties, Dar made her home a place where people knew they would be welcomed and fed, both with food and joy.

Dar balanced her dedication to family with an impish sense of humor, an incredible work ethic, and love of fun. She and Chuck purchased a property on the Washington coast, and they and extended family would go together to enjoy the ocean that she loved. One year, they hosted the Shepard family reunion

there, welcoming her extensive family of siblings, nieces, nephews and more. She insisted on attending the reunions, often held in Prineville, so that they could all stay close and enjoy the fun of a large family. She also loved to go play the slots with her friends and family; often she would go to nearby casinos, and even made a trip to Vegas! As a child, she was frequently the ringleader among the siblings; during a time when food and sugar were rationed, she would suggest they make fudge when the parents were out, thinking they could hide it afterwards. Of course, her folks always smelled it and found its hiding spot! Many folks knew her through her food, as she was a “lunch lady” at the local school and a server at local restaurants. She always provided the meals with a laugh and many friendships were launched over those plates.

Dar’s amazing gifts of laughter, love, and generosity continue through her expansive family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck, and eight of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Carla (Jeff) Barry, Mike (Deedee) Fischer, Cheryl (Darren) Vandebrake, and Craig Fischer; siblings, Bob (Lois) Shepard and Rae Wells; and ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. All rejoice at the time and love they got to share with her. She is greatly missed.

The services will be streamed at oneroomstreaming.com:

Event ID: Greenwood

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