Obituary of Darlene May Mower

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Darlene May Mower (nee Duncan—known to many as “Dunc”) on August 22, 2024. She was born on April 22, 1949, in Chilliwack, BC. She was raised in Victoria, BC, where she resided for the next 20+ years. She completed her Licensed Practical Nursing at British Columbia Vocational School in 1969 in Victoria BC. She then moved to Quesnel, BC shortly after where she lived in the Nurses Residence. During that time, she met the love of her life, Tom Mower, in 1970. They were married April 10, 1971, and they spent 53 wonderful years together.

In 1987 Darlene started working at GR Baker Memorial Hospital in the laboratory where she worked for 26 years and retired February 28, 2013. She was well-respected at work. Many lab patients wanted Darlene to be the one to take their blood; they would wait for her to return from her break so that it was possible. Darlene was also great with kids in the lab. She knew how to put a smile on your face and could always make you laugh.

Tom and Darlene welcomed three children, Alayne, Billy, and Bobby. The kids were raised on Coach Rd where they were able to build lifelong friendships and cause a bit of trouble in the neighborhood. Darlene took time off from work to raise the kids as they had very busy schedules, and all three kids played and excelled at numerous sports. They settled in Bouchie Lake when the boys were in high school. Darlene loved to look at the lake and said it was “one of her favourite views.”

Tom and Darlene had a life filled with adventure. They travelled the world and saw many great places, but her favourite seemed to be the East Coast of Canada. Whether it be by plane, motorbike, the many cruises, or the motorhome (nicknamed the “Beast” by their grandchildren), they were always on a trip or had their next one planned. They especially loved being able to take their children and later, their grandchildren on these adventures with them, as well. They enjoyed many nights playing cards or poker with friends and loved to host friends or family when the opportunity arose.

Darlene or “Dunc” loved to spend her time reading a good book, winning at the casino, drinking a glass of wine, or singing in the Choir, but mostly she loved spending time with her friends and family. She had a large circle of great friends. While many of these relationships were long standing, she still loved to chat with new people. She was a faithful friend and worked hard to maintain these friendships. She was a social butterfly. After retiring she found herself looking for something to do, so she took part-time jobs at Walmart and later as a noon-hour supervisor at Bouchie Lake Elementary. She volunteered with Better at Home and Quesnel Hospice where she could continue to socialize and spread her love and warmth within the community.

Darlene had many roles, but her favourite was being a Grandma to her seven grandchildren, of whom she was exceptionally proud. She loved to hear from them, and if she hadn’t for a while, she would be calling them to let them know the exact date they last talked. This went for her close friends as well.

Darlene was pre-deceased by her mother Lois Duncan and her brother Donny Duncan.

Darlene is survived by her best friend and husband, Tom, her brother Jerry (Maureen), her three children: Alayne (Kevin), Bill (Crystal), and Bob (Carrie), and her seven grandchildren: Cassidy, Jadea, Branven, Alex, Riley, Addisyn, and Regan.