She was born on October 18, 1939 in Albany, NY, the daughter of Vincent and Catherine (Empie) Gill.
Darlene was employed for many years as a secretary for the Mental Health Clinic in Oneonta. She was member and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church and also the Lady's of the Elks Club. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden.
She is survived by her son, Brett and Kera Pidgeon of Oneonta; stepson Tony Lance of Albany; step daughter, Cheryl Sovan; nieces and nephews, Pamela Preston, Janet Preston, and Jeff Preston; as well as step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, and few cousins.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Herbert Pidgeon; her second husband, John Lance; her stepson, John Lance, Jr; nephew, Keith Preston; and siblings, Harold Gill and Bessie Preston.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Grummons-Bookhout-Bennet Funerals & Cremations, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, with Rev. Christopher Welch officiating.
Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Darlene’s memory are asked to be made to St. Mary’s Food Pantry; and, Super Heroes Humane Society, 160 Pony Farm Rd Oneonta, NY 13820 https://superheroeshs.org/donate/
Arrangements are by Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations, Oneonta.
Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.
