Darlene Berggren

Darlene Berggren (Hambleton) born in Takoma Park, Maryland on June 18, 1952 passed away on September 17th, 2010 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and resided in Monument, Colorado for the last 11 years. Before moving to Colorado, she lived in the Chicago area for 40 years.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Denny Berggren; son Marc, daughter Beth, mother Mary Jean Hambleton, sister Patricia Jean DeMaio of Stamford, CT; and two brothers, Michael Allen Hambleton of Dumphries, VA and Dr. Peter Lind Hambleton of Reddick, FL.

She graduated from Glenbrook North High School in 1970 and from Northern Illinois University in 1974. Like many women, Darlene thought corporate America offered her the best opportunity for success. But after years of unrewarding work she started her Mary Kay business in 1980.

Darlene debuted as an Independent Sales Director in April 1981, then earned the use of her first Pink Cadillac in 1983 and every year thereafter. She debuted as an Independent National Sales Director in 1991 and was a member of the Mary Kay Multi-Millionaires Club having earned more than five million dollars in commissions with her Mary Kay business.

The Mary Kay Foundation wrote, “All of us at The Mary Kay Foundation are grieving the loss of Darlene to cancer on September 17, 2010".

In her valiant fight, Darlene was an inspiration to many as she bravely rose to the challenge. She surprised us all when she was able to attend Seminar 2010 and spoke boldly from the stage to encourage all those who were present. She said, "We are not born winners or losers; we are born choosers". She encouraged members of the sales force to make wise choices.

Truly she believed in the Mary Kay opportunity and chose from day one to give her all. Her Mary Kay career began in 1980, and she actively pursued the Mary Kay dream until her passing. She left an indelible impression on everyone she met, and Independent Beauty Consultants, Independent Sales Directors and National Sales Directors in her downline knew she was genuine and that she sincerely cared about them and did all she could to help them to become successful.

Darlene shared her wisdom and alluded to her battle with cancer in her Seminar speech, when she said, "It is not what happens to you, but it's how you handle it." She handled her illness with determination and grace and extended her life expectancy to the amazement of her physicians.

"Darlene was a friend to The Mary Kay Foundation, and we will miss her greatly. Our hearts go out to her husband Denny and her children Marc and Beth".

Darlene’s life will be celebrated at a mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 22 West Kiowa Street in Colorado Springs, CO on Friday, October 15th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.. There will be a reception immediately following in the church hall.

Thanks so much for all your prayers at this difficult time. And thank-you for all your kind words on Darlene’s website at http://www.darlenesdynasty.com , under the “Encouragement” button, Denny, Marc and Beth Berggren.

Flowers can be sent to the church. In lieu of flowers, your donations to help fight cancer would be greatly appreciated. Please send your donations to the Mary Kay Foundation, P.O. Box 799044, Dallas, Texas 75379-9044, and be sure to include on your donation “in memory of Darlene Berggren”. You can also use this link to their website: http://support.marykayfoundation.org/goto/Darlene