DARLEEN DERKSON

Darleen Edith Derkson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at St. Joeseph’s Hospice in Thunder Bay, Ont. after a short battle with cancer.
Darleen was born April 5 1950 to Henry and Edith Richert in Fort Frances Ont., where she lived most of her life until moving to Thunder Bay in 2007 to enjoy her retirement.
Darleen retired from the Rainy River Board of Education, where she worked as an education assistant for 17 years. She looked forward to work every day and loved the joy the kids brought to her life.
Darleen was blessed to have so many friends to share the work day with, and they meant the world to her.
After moving to Thunder Bay, she took a part time position at the Royal Bank Alloy Drive branch and the Westfort Bulk Zone store, where she developed close new friendships.
She loved yoga, walking, having tea with friends, and watching curling and Rick Mercer.
Darleen was generous and kind-hearted; she was always helping someone, especially her family, in any way she could. Whether it was yard work, painting, or running errands, she always could think of a way to make someone else’s day brighter.
She actively volunteered at the MFRC, giving back to the military families with care and compassion. One of Darleen’s greatest loves was her Grand Dogs; they thought the world of “Granny” and will truly miss her.
Darleen was a joy to this world and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. She was a great mom, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, and friend.
May she fly with the angels for all of eternity.
In honour of Darleen, April 5 now will be forever known as “Kill Cancer with Kindness” day. Please do something kind for someone affected by cancer on that day as Darleen did for people every day.
A celebration of Darleen’s life will be held Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. at 433 South Selkirk St. (the second large house after Vicker’s Park off Arthur Street) in Thunder Bay.
There will be flowers on the gate, and please bring indoor shoes or slippers if you wish.
In lieu of flowers, Darleen’s wishes were to have donations made to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) of Thunder Bay attn: Evelyn Harris.