Darlene Haymond Zollinger

Darlene Marie Haymond Zollinger Obituary As much as we hate to admit it, Darlene Marie Haymond Zollinger has passed away. One of her favorite movies was Heaven Can Wait; however, unlike the title she made the journey to heaven on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida surrounded by her family. Darlene was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July, 15, 1948 on a sweltering 96 degree day to Agnes St. Romain of Plaucheville, Louisiana and Harlan Edward Haymond of Greenwood, Delaware. She grew up in the family grocery store in New Orleans where she was known for sneaking treats off the shelves to enjoy in the stockroom. Popsicles and vanilla custard baby food were her favorites. She navigated her way through the parochial school system attending Saint Alphonsus and Redemptorist. She would have walked uphill both ways in the snow if she did not live in a city without elevation or snow. On December 27, 1969, Darlene married the man of her dreams, Robert Waldo Zollinger; a tall, handsome man who at the time had a full head of dark hair (not so much now). She loved him so much that they were married twice within a year. They were blessed with three boys (some who still have their hair): Robert Waldo Jr, Stephen Michael, and Kevin Paul along with his wife Valerie Jean Smith of Orlando, Florida. She is also survived by her sister Judith Ann Haymond Dickerson of Greenwood, Delaware. Darlene loved bowling and we loved to bowl with her even though she did not know how to slide. The ability to hop on every delivery and remain accurate (except for 10 pins) was quite the feat for someone with such tiny finger holes. Darlene’s culinary expertise shined during the holidays and she took the damn recipes with her. Her survivors will continue to miss her oyster dressing and shrimp Louie at Christmas. So if she shared those with anyone reading this, please pass them along. Later in life, Darlene was all about vacationing that involved gambling. She never made it to Sin City, but she never met a slot machine she did not like. However, there were a few that did not like her! Whether it was on land or sea, she loved to push that button and punish the one-armed bandit. Darlene would probably say…please don't cry because I'm gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you can cry a little bit; after all Darlene has moved on the heaven and you are still here). If you have time, please stop by Lake Lawn Cemetery on Monday, June 20, 2016, if not, do not worry we will get see each other eventually. Love Always Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 20, 2016, Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. A memorial service will begin at 11:00AM and internment will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Shriners Hospital for Children.