Janet Lynn (McDonald) Darden

Janet Lynn (McDonald) Darden, 67, who led a gentle life filled with caregiving, died June 24, 2022, of cancer at her home, in Richmond, Va. An accomplished person with varied interests, Mrs. Darden’s standout quality was selflessness. Family members, friends and others with whom she crossed paths felt her unfailing support. Mrs. Darden was a skilled and devoted physical therapist. Her 40-year career was mostly devoted to elderly and homebound patients. She was animated by meeting and helping so many people. Later in her career, she earned a doctorate in physical therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. The cancer diagnosis led to her retirement in 2018. She had a passion for history and was a lifelong collector of family lore. She pored over letters, clippings and boxes of photographs, exploring the life and times of ancestors and sharing her findings. Her sleuthing turned things long in storage into interesting stories. She also enjoyed hiking and traveling, most recently touring presidential homes around the country with her husband. She was willing to try new things and took up watercolor painting and other arts over the years, joined various community efforts, and as a young mother enjoyed fly fishing. Always a hard worker, she was also an excellent cook and hostess who added fun and quirky touches to gatherings — whether party hats, confetti, an impossibly ambitious recipe, or the colorful socks she sent to the men this past Father’s Day. She was an attentive listener whose kitchen table regularly featured her laughter and curious questions. Nature inspired her, and she liked being outdoors. She took in many animals over the years, loving each one. Mrs. Darden brought the same sense of appreciation to her gardens. In recent years she often mentioned her luck in moving to a home on a lake, where she could sit by the water surrounded by peace and beauty. Above all she loved her family members, always looking after their happiness. She did all she could to give her son and daughters great childhoods and the foundations for success. She was adored by them and by many others for her generosity and kindness. Throughout her life, caregiving was a constant. It kept her going. She worked hard at it, and it filled her heart. Mrs. Darden leaves her husband of 44 years, Gary L. Darden; three children: Kenneth G. Darden and his wife Sarah Y. (Phillips) Darden of Winnsboro, SC, Kirsten A. Darden of Richmond, and Dr. Nola M. Darden and her significant other Dr. Tyler Miluski of Hershey, PA; two grandchildren, Merrick and Finn of Winnsboro, SC; her brother, Stephen A. McDonald and his wife, Carol (Bingham) McDonald of Northborough, MA; two nephews, a niece and a grandniece. Janet and Gary met in Blacksburg, VA and were married in 1978 at Washington National Cathedral. She was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Fairfax County, VA, daughter of the late Helen (Mehlenbacher) and Welton J. McDonald. She grew up extremely close to her mother and brother, and never lost the knowledge that being there for others was key. Mrs. Darden believed no one should be alone when their time came. She died surrounded by her children and husband and will be dearly missed by the many who are better people because of her love and example. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. July 23 at First Universalist Unitarian Church, 1000 Blanton Ave., Richmond, VA. Burial will be private in Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Richmond Animal Care & Control Foundation or The Nature Conservancy. Woody Funeral Home, Parham Road, Richmond is directing arrangements.