Darla Jean Pitman (née Hare, formerly Turner) passed away on August 15, 2025, in Vernon, BC, at the age of 75.

Darla was born on February 27, 1950, in New Westminster, BC, to Herb and Bertha Hare.  The firstborn in her family, she grew up with a younger sister and brother.  In 1961, the family moved to Salmon Arm, where Darla spent her childhood at their home on Lakeshore Drive and summers at the family cabin on Shuswap Lake near Canoe.  During her high school years, she met Laverne Turner, and they married in 1969. Together they had four children: Carolynn, Brad, Jody, and Tracy.

Darla was a proud and devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren—Spencer, Averi, Amanda, Maddison, Tyler, Mac, Jade and Ben—who brought her endless joy. She was affectionately known to them as Nana or Mousie Nana.  She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Greyson, Kinsley, Emery, and Acacia.

In 1998, Darla met the love of her life, Brian (BJ) Pitman, in Vernon, BC, where she made her home until her passing. They married in July 2003 and shared countless adventures together, traveling to many parts of the world.  Summers were often spent at their cabin in Eagle Bay.  BJ was a devoted husband and companion, whose love and care remained constant throughout their life together and especially in Darla’s final days.

Darla was an adventurous soul who loved to travel and explore new places. At home, she found joy in gardening and cooking, and she was known to family and friends as an exceptional cook. She also loved boating, camping, fishing and participating in her weekly bowling league.  She was an enthusiastic sports fan—especially when it came to hockey—she was always in the stands cheering on her kids and grandkids.  She cherished her friendships and family deeply and will always be remembered for her kindness and radiant smile that could light up any room.

Darla is survived by her loving husband BJ Pitman; her children Carolynn Diguistini (Will), Brad Turner (Phaedra), Jody Turner (Jennifer) and Tracy Lutz (Kevin); all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister Joanne Laws (Bill); her nieces Denae (Jason) and Stacie (Kevin), and her great-nieces Evelyn, Josephine, and Madeline.  She was predeceased by her parents (Herb in 2014 and Bertha in 2023) and her brother, Greg Hare, in 1974.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Bowers Funeral Home in Salmon Arm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC.

Darla will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, but her love, laughter, and adventurous spirit will forever live on in their hearts.

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com