She was born in Baldwin, Maine, on Jan. 15, 1928. She graduated from Potter Academy as valedictorian, class of 1947. She married Carroll “Bud” Darling that same summer. She had been accepted into nursing school, but traded school for a lifetime of adventure with the love of her life.
She supported, cared for and accompanied Bud in all of his endeavors (which were many), and raised five children: Rebecca Longley (d. Andrew M. Longley), Juanita Valdez, Diane Omacht, Orville (Buster) and Betsy Darling, Veronica and Dean Gonsior. Her family was her life and life was not boring!
After her children were grown, she worked at Parkview Hospital in the housekeeping department and became a CNA.
She was a longtime member of the Church of the Nazarene. Jesus was her rock and strength; she gave selflessly of her time and energy to His service, earning the “Distinguished Service Award” and the “Second Mile Award” from the church.
She is survived by a sister Eunice Hanscom and her husband Leslie of Durham, N.H.; her five children, 10 grandchildren, and 6 greatgrandchildren.
A celebration of her life will take place at the Cundy’s Harbor Community Hall on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
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