Calgary/ Donkin
It is with profound sadness that the family of Barbara Darlene (Ryan) MacMullen announce her passing on November 17, 2023, after a three and a half year battle with cancer. Darlene passed away peacefully at her home in Calgary Alberta, surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born in Glace Bay on March 9, 1957 to Catherine (Pineau) Ryan and the late John Vincent (Vince) Ryan.
Darlene grew up in Donkin where she made lifelong friends. She graduated from Donkin-Morien District High School in 1975. She attended the College of Cape Breton and then pursued a career in Retail Merchandising. She worked at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmasave in Glace Bay for many years. Darlene moved to Calgary Alberta with her family in 2005 where she resumed her career at the Shoppers Drug Mart there. But most recently, she started a new career at Bridlewood Eye Care. Darlene was held in high esteem for her work and especially her personality. She loved greeting people from all walks of life.
Darlene’s love for the Mira River was always deep, enjoying summers there with both sides of her families. She made great friends over the many years she spent in Mira. You would always see her looking at the river and sipping on her many cups of tea she had that day. No matter where Darlene went, she always left a smile on people’s faces, and always put her family and friends first.
Darlene will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 42 years, David MacMullen, her sons Aron and Matthew (Samantha) MacMullen and her grandsons Mason and Easton who she adored so much. Darlene leaves behind her mother Catherine (Pineau) Ryan, her sisters Kimberly (Jimmy) Horne, Krista Ryan MacLean, her sister-in-law Leona Ryan, her nieces Danielle Ryan, Laurel (Adam) Edmond, Terra (Mike) Sovinsky, Katie (John) Robertson, Megan (Craig) Berthiaume and her nephews Ryan Horne, Brett (Jess) Robertson and Jeff MacLean. She will also be missed by her childhood friends Phyllis Hunter and Kathy Baxter. Darlene was predeceased by her father John Vincent (Vince) Ryan, Brother John Daniel (Danny) Ryan, her grandparents Jack and Margaret Pineau and Annabell and Daniel Ryan. She is also predeceased by her father and mother-in-law James and Martha MacMullen, her sister-in-law Jaclyn Robertson, and her brother-in-law Lawrence Robertson and Kevin MacLean.
At this time the family would like to say a special thank you to her oncology team; Dr. Hao, Dr. Lao, Dr. Lim and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary. Another special thank you to her at home Palliative Care Team led by Anna, who took such great care of her during her final days. Last but not least her sisters Kim and Krista who flew out to help care for her. Angels indeed.
As per Darlene’s wishes cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Monday November 27, 2023 from 6-9pm in Patten Funeral Home 71 Union St., Glace Bay, NS. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday November 28, at 2pm in St. Luke’s United Church Donkin with Rev. Bob Biggar officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary, The Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Red Cross Association or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences made be sent to the family at www.pattenfuneral.com
