Obituary of Darlene Ann Winchester

Passed away peacefully at home, on September 15, 2023, surrounded by family. She is survived by her loving partner Gary Denton of 33 years. Her Son Adam Winchester (Sabrina) of Spencerville, Ontario. Daughter Amy Brothers (Joey) of Quispamsis, NB. Grandchildren Walker, Heidi, and Kinley Winchester of Ontario. Sisters, Debra Ratcliffe (Barry), Daphne DeBouver (Rick), Dawn Burley (Harry), and many nieces and nephews. As the oldest of 5 girls, Darlene was a protective big sister and could always be counted on as their go-to for advice and support. 

In her younger years, you could find Darlene around east Saint John.  Working part-time at EPR, A&W, Tim Horton’s, and the Parkway movie theater. After Graduating from Simonds High School in 1975 she and her then-husband Donnie moved to Edmonton Alberta with friends. When there she had her first-born Adam. A few years later moving home to NB and having Amy. She had a small daycare, that allowed her to be with her children at home. Being a mother was her pride and joy, but she also enjoyed cooking, crafts, quilting, cards, picking beach glass, and bowling.

In 2000, Darlene joined Gary in New Orleans where they lived in Chalmette, LA. Together they enjoyed the southern lifestyle, warm weather, and cajun food while making friends that have lasted since.  When they moved back to NB, Darlene took her favorite recipes from New Orleans and adapted them in her kitchen at home and their newly acquired bowl-more lanes. For the better part of 10 years, she cooked her way into the hearts of all the bowling alley patrons.  Making her famous jambalaya, soups, and casseroles.  It was always a treat to be the recipient of Darlene's leftovers. Although not a big baker, she made delicious squares and cookies.

In the summers she and Gary would travel back down to New Orleans and to Grand Manan, her happy place where Gary was born. There they visited family that became best friends and took every opportunity to introduce a mainlander to their little slice of heaven. They walked the beach picking sea glass and dulse and enjoyed the small island's charm. They got their fill of seafood while with friends playing cards. 

When at home relaxing you could always find a hoop of fabric in Darlene’s lap while she weaved her thread around every detail in her baby quits pattern. The attention to deal was flawless, each one filled with love.

After she retired, she enjoyed going to Ontario to visit her grandbabies. When she couldn't visit, she cherished every video chat. She had a special relationship with many of her friends’ children and grandchildren, especially with Jorden Blair and Katie Keating who were both such a big help to their MeMe.

Darlene was extremely loved by all and had a large circle of friends from school that she met with often. She loved going to lunch or tea with her friends and when she couldn't go to them, they came to her ready to help. 

Darlene is predeceased by her sister Diane, and parents Murray and Thelma Carpenter. Donations in memory of Darlene can be made to the Children's Wish Foundation or the Ronald McDonald House.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). A celebration of life will be held Monday, September 18, 2023, at 7 pm - 9 pm at K’s Cafe, 607 Rothesay Avenue for those wishing to share a memory, a hug, or their condolences to the family. A symbolic beach walk will be held on her birthday in April in Grand Manan to pick beach glass and share in her favorite pastime.

The family would like to thank the Oncology and MAID team at SJRH for their efforts this last year. They all made a scary diagnosis a bit easier with their passion for helping and kind bedside manners.