It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend. On the morning of March 17th 2018, Darlene passed away peacefully, surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Darlene was born on Nov 11th, 1950 in Tisdale, Sk to Wilfred and Hannah Pratt. She grew up in Bjorkdale on the family farm and thoroughly enjoyed helping out. Whether it was plucking chickens, planting the family garden, or learning to bake and prepare meals alongside her mother.
She met the love of her life Garry in the summer of ’69 and was married shortly after on April 4th, 1970. They began their life together raising their two sons, Derek and Lance. Darlene spent many weekends attending and supporting her boys in many sports whether it be hockey or ball. The boys grew very fond of her cooking skills and loved the taste of Darlene’s fresh cooked fish and deer steak, always leaving an empty plate.
In 1984, Darlene became employed as a caregiver at the Lanigan Cooperative Daycare, where she remained working for an incredible 31 years until her health declined in 2014. Her natural ability led her to be adored by many little ones, she always had a special way with them, especially when it came to the babies. She was like a baby whisperer or a loving mother hen, so gentle and comforting.
The grandkids loved spending time with their grandma. In particular, having sleepovers and watching movies, to playing board games and going for bike rides, creating many treasured memories with her. Some of Darlene’s favorite pastimes included watching TV, mainly her soaps, game shows and curling. She also enjoyed playing cards or bingo with her friends, and VLT’s on payday. Last but not least, fishing at the lake. She could out fish anyone when given the chance and spent many summers at the lake with family doing just that.
Darlene’s genuine love was her family. She was a devoted wife, an extremely proud parent and grandparent. Darlene will always be remembered as a generous warm-hearted, kind-loving person and she will forever hold a place in our hearts.
She will be dearly missed by her two sons, Derek (Jennifer) Fisher; daughters Courtney, Bree and Megan, Lance (Cheryl) Fisher; daughters Jessica (Jamie) Young; children Veda, Jace, and Nash, Kirsten; children Ryker and Skylar, and Lacey Fisher; Brothers John Pratt, Irv (Priscilla) Pratt, Mel (Penny) Pratt. Foster sister, Dallas (Lyle) McGowan, and Janet McAdam. Foster brothers Darv and Dean Pratt. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father Wilfred Pratt, mother Hannah Pratt, sister Eleanor Mazurkewich and husband Garry Fisher.