Darlene was born in Quesnel, BC, and lived in both Prince George and in logging camps with her family as a girl. In her late teens Darlene moved to Vancouver, and not long after, settled on Salt Spring Island with her young son, Christopher. While living on Salt Spring, she met the love of her life, John – her husband of 52 years – and together they chose to relocate to Duncan, BC, to raise a family, welcoming two more children, Nathan and Johnna.

Darlene absolutely loved babies her whole life—the chubbier, the better. Once she became an empty nester, Darlene and her husband hosted international students and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and their cultures.

Darlene was a loving wife and a wonderful mom. She often told her children that she felt it was her life’s purpose to be a mother. She created a warm and welcoming home – there was always a home-cooked meal, a cupboard full of homemade preserves, and a batch of cookies at the ready. She rounded out her life at home with a creative touch: quilting, sewing clothing for the kids, and taking great joy in her garden.

Darlene was a true people person. She enjoyed making friends through her involvement in her children’s activities and school community, as well as through volunteering for the NDP, AIDS Vancouver Island, Islands Folk Fest, and later the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. Darlene had a curious mind; she was an avid reader, a music lover, and had a keen interest in the people around her. She loved chatting on the phone and visiting over coffee with family and friends. Alongside her love for people, she cherished her pets – cats and dogs were her close companions throughout her years in Duncan.

Darlene endured many losses in her life, including her two sons, both hemophiliacs who were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C during the tainted blood scandal. In response, she became a selfless caregiver and advocate, navigating the medical system and testifying at the Krever Inquiry to help ensure Canada’s blood supply would be safe for future generations. Darlene was courageous, incredibly strong, loving, and kind in facing life’s challenges. These experiences prepared her for her own health struggles, including eventually becoming a double lower-leg amputee. Despite these setbacks, she maintained a zest for life—sewing, gardening, joking with her husband John, visiting with her daughter and grandkids, enjoying her dog’s antics, and even resuming volunteering at HATS in her final days.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the various medical practitioners who cared for and supported Darlene over the years.

Darlene is survived by her husband John, daughter Johnna, grandchildren Augustus and Bowie, brother Ray, and her Aunt Inez.