BENSON, Darlene Martha

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene on March 21, 2021.

Darlene Martha Benson, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 21 at Sharon’s Place, the home she had been living at the last few years. She is predeceased by her parents Melville and Martha Benson and brothers Richard and Vernon and sister-in-law Jean. She is survived by her brothers Gilbert (Sandy; Jean) Benson of West Kelowna, BC and Dwayne (Karen) Benson of Maple Ridge, BC; sister-in-law Joyce Benson (widow of Vernon), as well as a number of nieces, nephews and relatives.

Darlene was born in Pangman Saskatchewan, a small farming community, and as a young girl moved with her parents to Regina Saskatchewan where she completed her elementary and high school education. In the mid 1960’s, the family moved to Vernon BC where Darlene finished her senior high education and took bookkeeping courses. During this time, Darlene married Steve Vulcan, but divorced a few years later.

Darlene loved to read collecting hundreds of books and was phenomenal at crossword puzzles. She was highly organized and had excellent administrative skills and as a result, worked primarily in office work and accounting type jobs. Some of her work career included The Hudson’s Bay Company in Vernon, and Rain Coast Books in Vancouver. She decided to move back to Vernon to live with Dad to look after him in his elderly years which was such a wonderful help to him and a comfort for our family. It was during this time that Darlene starting working for the Vernon Funeral Home as Office Manager, which was her final work position. Over the last 5 years, Darlene suffered with health issues which progressively got worse and due to some complications sadly passed away which was a shock to the family.

Darlene requested to be cremated and her ashes buried in her parents grave in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 4311 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon, BC, which occurred on April 6. There will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to your charity of choice. Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-4333.