Darlene Janel Metcalf
July 11, 1935 - May 11, 2015
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Darlene Janel Metcalf
July 11, 1935 - May 11, 2015
Obituary
Darlene Metcalf was born on July 11, 1935 and passed away on May 11, 2015 in Bellingham, surrounded by family, music and prayer. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Darlene’s legacy of generosity, kindness and creativity lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Darlene was a great lady and a force of nature. She was constantly in motion, was an active member of her church, and a frequent volunteer at local nursing homes and in the community. She was a devout Christian, and used her artistic skills to prepare floral arrangements for a multitude of weddings and events at Immanuel Bible Church.
Darlene was born in Highmore, South Dakota and moved to Bellingham as a child. She graduated from Bellingham High School in 1952, where she met life-long friends Dolores Nicholas, Shirley Engels, Joy Guthrie, Shirley Forslof and Donna Woods. Darlene worked for many years in the Whatcom County Auditor’s office as the County Deputy Auditor. Darlene met the love of her life, Warren, when she was 14 years old. Six years later, they married and had a loving, stable marriage of 60 years. Together, they enjoyed their family, friends, volunteering, camping, traveling and making crafts, which they sold at craft bazaars.
Family was the center of Darlene’s life. Her family called her Granny, which she tolerated with good humor, and embraced her role as matriarch. Darlene was preceded in death by her mother, Berneita Norden, father Donald Burnham, step father Clyde Norden, uncle Wallace Murphy, uncle Bob Richardson, aunt Marceille Richardson, uncle Clyde Wickler and mother in law, Bonnie Metcalf. She is survived by her beloved husband Warren Metcalf; her three children Cindy Geri and her husband Lou Geri of Bellingham, Tammy Forhan and her husband Craig Forhan of Ferndale, and Dan Metcalf and his wife Sue Metcalf of Bellingham; her 7 grandchildren Michelle Farris, Melissa Jenkins, Katy Geri, Samantha Forhan, Alex Forhan, Hunter Metcalf and Kelsey Metcalf, and her 4 great grandchildren, Owen Farris, Riley Jenkins, Luke Farris and Rex Jenkins. Darlene is also survived by four brothers, Terry Burnham, Jerry Burnham, Wayne Burnham (Delanie) and Tony Norden, aunt Mary Wickler, sister in law Joann Norden, nieces Teri Grindley and Kim Norden Acuna, nephews Brett Norden and Chris Norden, cousins D’Linda Laird, Don Richardson, Larry Richardson, Ron Richardson, Bob Auer, Jan Martinsen, Marilyn Wight and many other second cousins, nephews and nieces.
Special thanks to Lynden Manor, Alderwood Park, Whatcom Hospice, Dr. Hoekema and Dr. Steele.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 23 at Moles Farewell Tributes- Bellingham. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Darlene’s memory to Immanuel Bible Church.
Share your thoughts and memories of Darlene in the guestbook.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: May 23, 2015 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes- Bellingham
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
6 responses to Darlene Janel Metcalf
Sharon and David Wright says:
May 11, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time. She will always be remembered for her loving ways, kindness and all the work she did at weddings for the church people.We are good friends with Al and Rita Miller and so visited with them a lot. as they lived next door.We will pray for Warren and your whole family. Sorry we will not attend the services. We had other commitments. Love to you all Sharon
Linda Gates says:
May 11, 2015
I had the privilege of working with Darlene for 7 years many years ago. She was the most amazing woman. She was the kind of person that you instantly liked. She was my “boss” when I worked in the auditors office and she was the best. We still have the baby blanket she made for my son – her talents were never ending. I know your family will miss her terribly but your wonderful memories with her will help get you through the tough times. My condolences to your entire family.
Shirley Forslof says:
May 11, 2015
Darlene was a very special person. I worked with Darlene for many years in the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. When I was elected Whatcom County Auditor, I appointed Darlene Chief Deputy Auditor because of her outstanding talents, knowledge, special relationships with staff, other elected officials and the public. I never heard Darlene say a cross word. She had an enormous amount of energy and joy and was my special friend through the years. Darlene made silk bouquets for three of my children’s weddings. When she was not working or doing something with her family, she made craft projects with her husband and sold them at craft fairs and retail outlets from Bellingham to Longview, Washington. She loved to entertain her family and friends. She was a Christian and active in her church. All who knew Darlene will miss her. I know that she will be missed by her family and I also know that you have good memories of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Nancy (Postma) Sabiston says:
May 11, 2015
I have many memories growing up next door to Darlene and her family. I was sad to leave the neighborhood when we moved to the county. I remember her many talents, one of which was sewing clothes virtually over night for Cindy and Tammy. Many years later I had the privilege to see her smiling face almost daily when I worked at the courthouse. I remember when she retired, everyone was so sad to see her go. There is one word that always comes to mind when I think of her, Grace. In all situations so graceful. May she rest in peace and Warren, Cindy, Tammy and Dan, may you find comfort in all of her beautiful memories. Hugs to you all.
Margaret and Don LInd says:
May 11, 2015
Cindy and Lou, Don and I are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a lovely woman who finally found peace. It is a difficult time so take care of yourselves.