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, 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 lifelong 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 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 seven grandchildren, Michelle Farris, Melissa Jenkins, Katy Geri, Samantha Forhan, Alex Forhan, Hunter Metcalf and Kelsey Metcalf; and her four 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 and Marilyn Wight; and many other second cousins, nephews and nieces.
Special thanks goes to Lynden Manor, Alderwood Park, Whatcom Hospice, Dr. Hoekema and Dr. Steele.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, in Moles Farewell Tributes Bellingham. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Darlene’s memory to Immanuel Bible Church.
Arrangements are by Moles Farewell Tributes, www.molesfarewelltributes.com.
