Darlene Kay Parsons

Darlene Kay Parsons was born on November 16, 1937 in Billings, Montana to Catherine and Dennis Karjala. She passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Corona Del Mar, California. She is survived by her devoted husband, Delbert, and their two children, Jon and Michael.

Darlene later lived in Cascade Locks and Bend, Oregon, before moving south in 1945 to Compton, California. She then moved to Lakewood, California, and attended schools in both Long Beach and Compton. She graduated from UCLA in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in business education. During her time at UCLA, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Darlene and Del’s love story began 73 years ago in 1953 when they met in Compton. They quickly fell in love and started dating steadily. They were married in 1959 and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in September, 2025.

Darlene was an exceptionally kind and gentle woman. Everyone who met or knew her could sense her warmth and love. She treated everyone with equal kindness and respect.

She was an exceptional pianist, and her and Del’s passion for music was passed on to both of their sons. She loved to dance, play tennis, hike, travel, and bicycle. She also enjoyed art, reading, and spending time with children. She worked in the Children’s Bookshop in Corona Del Mar for several years, in addition to other local bookstores.

She was an avid traveler and cherished her journeys. Zermatt, Switzerland, held a special place in her heart. She and Del often celebrated their wedding anniversary in Zermatt where she reveled in the breathtaking scenery and explored the trails surrounding the Matterhorn. In Italy, Darlene embarked on an adventure with her close friends in the Dolomites.

Darlene’s enjoyment of her family’s love for camping and backpacking grew over the years, and she gamely backpacked with Del, Jon and Mike several times in the Sierra Nevada and Wind River range. She and Del took a guided snowmobile trip in Yellowstone Park. Over five days and nights, they marveled at the stunning scenery and wildlife, each night spent in a different part of the park.

She and Del frequently embarked on bicycle journeys along Highway 1 in California, Massachusetts, and Vermont, where they had family. They even rode a tandem bike.

Though life will never be the same without her, Darlene’s impact on our world will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in our hearts, a testament to the joy and inspiration she brought into our lives.