Darlene F Mahoney

It is with great sadness that the family of Darlene Mahoney announces her passing on October 3, 2026 in Grand Junction, Colorado surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 11, 1936 in Fowler, Kansas to Charles and Dorothy (Gerber) Eisenbart, she was one of four children. Darlene was known for her playful and joyful enthusiasm for life seizing every opportunity to have fun with everyone she met and on every adventure she pursued.

Darlene graduated from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas in 1957 and moved to Denver to pursue her career as a Registered Nurse. Her career began as a surgical nurse at Rose Hospital in Denver, and later joined the team at an Outpatient Surgical Center in Lakewood. She married the love of her life, Tom Mahoney, in October 1959 at St. Anthony’s Church in Fowler, Kansas. They enjoyed an adventurous life they loved for nearly 67 years while raising four children. They built a successful Amway business together along the way.

While in Denver, Darlene and Tom enjoyed traveling, family visits to Fowler, Kansas, and discovered a love for snowmobiling. When they moved to Grand Junction, they decided to learn to play golf and bought ATVs. There was not a mountain they didn’t climb or a trail they didn’t explore on the Western and Eastern Slopes of Colorado. They found their sweetest moments exploring nature in both winter and summer.

Darlene could light up any room with her infectious smile and laughter. She was known for her playful antics to catch one off-guard and would never miss an opportunity to make someone smile. While in department stores with her children, she would purposefully introduce herself to manikins just to make them squirm. Even in her nursing practice, she approached everyday with having some fun while getting the job done. She loved the music of the Rat Pack, Big Band and anything she could dance or sing to. Later in life she could still be found singing and dancing in her living room chair with a smile from ear to ear. She played the saxophone in her early days and even has a single on a vinyl record. One of the greatest gifts she gave the world was teaching those around her how to have fun!

The family is heartbroken that Darlene’s journey on earth has ended, yet all who knew her were gifted with the experience of her beautiful soul. We know that she has begun a new life of joy with God and the family holds a great hope that there is Coors beer in heaven. Darlene will be dearly missed, and she will always be in our hearts.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Tom Mahoney, her daughter Jeannette Anderies, her sisters Geraldine Dickerson, Sr. Charlene Eisenbart, and Shirley Plymale. She is survived by her children Barbara Mahoney (Helena, MT), Chuck Mahoney (Carson City, NV), Paula Magor (Grand Junction, Co), grandchildren Cory Magor (Springfield, TN), Janell Heck

(Sparks, NV), Kimberly Wortman (Post Falls, ID), Tom Mahoney (Sparks, NV) along with six great grandchildren and many dear friends and neighbors.

A Mass, Inurnment and reception will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 9:30AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located at 790 26 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations can be made to Center for Children (www.centerforchildrencac.org) or to your favorite charity in her name.

To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you’ve given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So, grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear, All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a ‘Welcome Home’.