Darlene Dora May Paugh (Lake), (Gibson)

Born in 1940 in Redding, CA, Darlene received her Nursing and Respiratory Therapy degree from Modesto Junior College in 1974.

Darlene became a traveling Respiratory Therapist in the late 1970s and continued through the 1980s. She traveled from San Luis Obispo through Willits, CA, working at many hospitals in that territory. She trained many others along the way. She opened the Cardio Pulmonary department in Modesto at Scenic General Hospital, known as Cure-a-Care.

Darlene loved baking and had many hobbies. These included cross-stitching, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidering, painting, and playing the piano. She enjoyed traveling and visited Europe, Tahiti, Puerto Rico, and lived in many different states throughout her life.

Darlene was a true caregiver. If she knew you and you were sick, she would go out of her way to make you something to eat, whether it was homemade fried chicken, cream of potato soup, or a special dessert from her vast rapporteur.

Our Mom always did Christmas big! She would work herself into a frenzy, waking early to prepare our favorite dishes and desserts for Christmas dinner. She was known for her ‘melt in your mouth’ hot rolls (adding that extra butter) and her fantastic pies: walnut, chocolate, and coconut cream - yum. She always made sure the kids not only received what they wanted but also more than they needed. Bill said he never enjoyed Christmas so much as he did with Mom.

Mom and Dad had many good years together during their marriage and more afterwards. No matter which parent we kids lived with, we all had the love and support of both. We shared holiday celebrations and even some vacations together, even after Mom and Bill were married. This unity between our parents was important to them and thus, made it wonderful for us. So much emphasis was placed on sharing holidays that we shared Christmas pies and presents with Mom & Dad at Mom’s place this year.

She married David Gibson on 7/15/1958 and had five children: Glenda Byrd (daughter), Guy Gibson (son), Judy Gibson (daughter), Paul Gibson (son), and Nancy Gibson (daughter). Later in life she married Bill Paugh on 11/2/1979, who predeceased her in 1990. Her other survivors include: Marina Munoz Gibson (daughter-in-law), Richard Byrd (son-in-law), Cristal Paugh (stepdaughter), Dale Paugh (stepson); Grandchildren Kendra Gibson (granddaughter), Mara Goncalo (granddaughter), Siarra Gibson (granddaughter), Samuel Gibson (grandson), Joseph Gibson (grandson); Great grandchildren Isabella Murillo (great granddaughter), Vincent Flores (great grandson); several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Our mom will be missed by all of those who knew and loved her.