Darlene Maxine Gabrysh Schmidt

Darlene passed away peacefully July 11th at the age of 62 after a brief battle with cancer. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 36 years Richard Schmidt, children Kristin and Ryan (Lorraine), grandchildren Nicholas and Kayleigh, sister Janet (Ronald) Sivak as well as many more family, friends and colleagues. Darlene was predeceased by her son Darren, parents Max and Mary Gabrysh and her sister Anne Randall.

Darlene was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, auntie, cousin and friend. A natural caretaker she dedicated her life to looking after others. She was a Registered Nurse in the psychiatric unit of Kelowna General Hospital for 35 years. She had a role in training many new staff and was always willing to mentor any students. Although her job presented its challenges she was always up to the task and truly enjoyed her career. She made such a positive difference in the lives of her patients and colleagues.

Darlene loved spending time with her family and most especially her grandchildren whom she was so proud of. She enjoyed her yearly trips to Hawaii, her puppies and was a loyal season ticket holder of the Kelowna Rockets. Darlene was a very spiritual person and strongly believed there was more to look forward to after this life. Although she left us much too soon we can take comfort that she has now been reunited with her loved ones in heaven.

A celebration of life will be held at Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Road on July 18, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family via www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation in Darlene and Darren’s memory.

Darlene Maxine Schmidt had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential. She brought out the best in those who sought her help. Darlene's personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on February 16, 1952, Darlene showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Her parents were Max and Mary Gabrysh. Darlene was raised in Radisson, Saskatchewan until the age of 7 and then she moved to a farm outside of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Darlene was the youngest of three daughters. She grew up with her sister Janet. Her oldest sister Anne had already left the house when Darlene was born.

As a young girl, Darlene interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person and in her spare time she liked to read.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Darlene was considered by many to be a high achiever. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.

Darlene attended Mount Royal Collegiate High School in Saskatoon and earned her RN in Nursing from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Darlene was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Darlene, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Darlene enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it.

Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. Later in life, she became friends with Brenda Simpson, Helen Barnick, Pauline Johnston.

Darlene was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Darlene was blessed with three children, one daughter, Kristin and two sons, Ryan and Darren. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Nicholas and Kayleigh.

Darlene projected a positive influence in her workplace. She worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. She was always willing to mentor new students and share her vast knowledge after many years in the psychiatry field. Darlene was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Darlene could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. She would never hesitate to speak up if she thought something was incorrect or could be accomplished in a more efficient way. Her primary occupation was a Registered Nurse in Psychiatry. She was employed for 30 plus years at Kelowna General Hospital's McNair Unit.

Some of Darlene's hobbies included walking the puppies, reading, playing with the grandchildren and traveling to Chilliwack to visit Ryan and his family. She also enjoyed her yearly two week trip to Waikiki with her husband.

Darlene was one who put forth her best effort in every aspect of her life. Darlene was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite hockey team the Kelowna Rockets as a dedicated season ticket holder for many years.

Darlene was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was not religious but a very spiritual person. She felt a strong spiritual connection with those who have passed on especially with her late son Darren.

Darlene was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. She adored her three puppies Roxy, Dallas and Casper. The puppies provided her with much comfort after the loss of her son Darren.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Darlene was looking forward to retirement. Unfortunately, that day never came as she had plans to retire in 2014.

Darlene passed away on July 11, 2014 at Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna BC. Darlene fought a very brief battle with pancreatic cancer and left us much too soon only 5 weeks after her diagnosis. She is survived by her husband Rick; her children Kristin, Ryan (Lorraine); her grandchildren Nicholas and Kayleigh and her sister Jan Sivak. Services were held at Valleyview Funeral Home. Darlene was laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery in Kelowna, BC.

Darlene was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Darlene carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Darlene Maxine Schmidt shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Darlene for her strength and giving nature.

The Garden of Promise

There is a place, I have been told,

Beyond an open gate

All have been invited

Where friends and loved ones wait

It holds enternal promise

Of everlasting peace

No pain or sorrow ever comes

And teardrops there have ceased

Abundant life is evident

Constant, fresh and new

A garden of provision

With eternity in view

The promise is awaiting

A place we can abide

Fulfilled for all who answer

The call to come inside

CAT STEVENS LYRICS

"Morning Has Broken"

Morning has broken, like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning

Praise for the springing fresh from the world

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven

Like the first dewfall, on the first grass

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Sprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning

Born of the one light, eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of the new day

JAMES BLUNT LYRICS

"You're Beautiful"

My life is brilliant.

My life is brilliant.

My love is pure.

I saw an angel.

Of that I'm sure.

She smiled at me on the subway.

She was with another man.

But I won't lose no sleep on that,

'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.

You're beautiful, it's true.

I saw your face in a crowded place,

And I don't know what to do,

'Cause I'll never be with you.

Yes, she caught my eye,

As we walked on by.

She could see from my face that I was,

Flying high.

But we shared a moment that will last 'til the end.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.

You're beautiful, it's true.

I saw your face in a crowded place,

And I don't know what to do,

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.

You're beautiful, it's true.

There must be an angel with a smile on her face,

When she thought up that I should be with you.

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