Passed away peacefully with all her family and friends in caring watchful support, and with her daughters and husband holding her hands on January 12, 2022 at the age of 60. Beloved longtime wife to Ray, loving Mom to Sarah (Kiel), and Carmen (Zach), and stepmom to Chris (Maija), Lisa (Chris), and Jeff. Extremely proud grandma to Aurora, Rylan, Zenon, Jadon, Callum, Oslo, and soon to arrive grandson. Survived by her mother Doreen and siblings Mike (Sue), Declan, Gyalchog (Dianne), and Dawn, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father Mervin. She will also be missed by many extended family and friends.
Darlene grew up and lived in Niagara Falls, but her spirit thrived at the family cottage on Hay Bay. She possessed the gift of seeing and appreciating the beauty of nature as creation intended. A trait gratefully inherited from her father Merv and nourished by her mom Doreen. Darlene had an infectious personality, contagious humour and ingenious wit which made it impossible not to enjoy her presence. Everyone who knew Darlene knows her gift of artistic expression, especially with paintings along with other mediums, and found inspiration throughout her life; her early pencil sketches as a teenager, the countless paintings thereafter and extreme pride and pleasure of working at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre as the administrator for many years. Her experienced ability with art translated very well with the effort she put into hers and Rays' famous Halloween displays resulting in her being the queen of that night and giving thrills to hundreds of children who adored the memories she provided. Even after her health declined and could no longer paint in recent years, she found the strength to knit beautifully crafted clothing and keepsakes up until her final days (including cherished stuffed animals for her grandkids).
Darlene battled a very aggressive cancer for many years, far surpassing the odds, and did so without ever losing her amazing strength, humour, wit with the ability to enjoy every element that life would offer. She continued to excel in all areas of life that could bring her joy without ever dwelling on sorrow
Always happy, always positive, she will be greatly missed. Yet heaven has a better friend.
The family would like to graciously thank the palliative team of Dr. Dooler, Dr. Manser with a special mention to Lori for her diligent support and Darlene's personal nurse Chris Smith for his special care and unique humour.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in the Willow's Rest Green Burial Area. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion (5603 Spring St, Niagara Falls, Ontario) from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., for all to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Darlene has asked that donations be made to the Juravinski Foundation (Brachytherapy Treatment) in her memory. (www.hamiltonhealth.ca/memorialgiving)
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