Our beautiful Darcy has left us with her eyes up and her heart open. A heart spilling over with the love she carried for her family and friends. Now, we will carry her within our broken hearts, hopefully finding the peace she came to know and use our love as a bridge to her.
Darcy died at home surrounded by family on Friday evening, June 26th at the age of 54. An avid traveller for both near and distant shores, whether for work or adventure, Darcy always had her luggage at the ready. However, over the past several years her life's journey made her take along a very heavy bag and constant companion by the name of Cancer.
She was strong, so strong that many would not know or comprehend how heavy the burden was or would become. She's carrying only a light backpack now and travelling on past the horizon. Because, " a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." Darcy said life was blessed for her and wanted to thank everyone of her family and friends who were part of that blessing.
Darcy Lee was born in Edmonton Alberta on December 31st, 1965. Hence everyone in the world was celebrating her birthday. Being an only child meant that she needn't share her mother Paulette's love and attention but also that her friends and cousins would become like siblings, sharing in the antics of rural Alberta living. Her mom and dad were fun loving, hard working role models who instilled a joie de vivre that carried her through a lifetime, perhaps fuelled by a large French Canadian entourage of relatives. We believe she inherited her 'director of traffic' gene from Paulette.
Darcy also grew up with a love of animals and enjoyed the companionship of many horses, dogs and cats over the years. We all remember Cyril the cat. Her recent canine joy, Hannah, although small, kept her good company and left huge paw prints in her heart. Moving to the Okanagan in 1986, soon followed by her parents, was a path which would have Darcy meet and marry her loving husband Ken.
They were able to celebrate their milestone 25th Wedding Anniversary in February and with an emotional and eloquent toast Darcy acknowledged how truly good and special he was to her. She wanted Ken to know what a strong foundation he was to the life they built at the lake home with their two sons, Scott and Jordan. Her wise advice to them is to marry their best friend.
The lake house was to be the source of many happy memories for them but also for the many others who gathered there over the years. Participation was key in their household as they all endeavoured to enjoy the many activities our four seasons offer especially those that included water or snow. Darcy's motto, one that she succeeded in passing on to her children, was to make every minute count.
She was always happy to be in the grandstands, on the sidelines, or at the end of a phone supporting and cheering on the many interests and all of the professional, athletic, cultural and educational goals of her sons. She was such a proud mom and now would be even more proud of the courageous young men she raised-her ultimate legacy. Life was definitely not all play. People outside the family have shared thoughts that her determination, positivity and vibrant personality drove her success both personally and professionally.
Darcy took great pride and meaning from her real estate career that spanned almost 30 years, rich with clients, colleagues and coworkers. She accomplished many roles which included serving as a past president of the Okanagan Real Estate Association and teaching for the BC Real Estate Council. Being a strong woman in business led her to become a partner in the Royal Lepage Downtown Realty agency and she was proud of their ongoing support as a sponsor for the Women's Shelter Foundation.
Darcy is lovingly remembered by her husband Ken, her sons, Scott and Jordan, mother, Paulette and many aunts, uncles, in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father Cyril (Pa) in 2008.
GODSPEED Darcy!
Thanks and deepest gratitude to Dr. Chris Cunningham for being much more than our physician. We are also very thankful for the great care extended to Darcy from Drs.' Hardy, Rankin, Blyth and Houle as well as the entire clinic staff of the Vernon Cancer Centre, Palliative care and home care nurses. Thanks also to Dr. Kim and the radiation department of the Kelowna Cancer Centre. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Vernon Cancer Clinic per Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. There will be no service by request.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary at www.MyAlternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services, Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237.
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services