Darlene Marie Daly

On the evening of Saturday, August 27th, in the presence of those who loved her most, Darlene Marie Daly was delivered into the hands of God and will rest for eternity in His loving arms. She was a woman who fiercely loved her family and lifelong friends. Many were blessed to have known Darlene as “Mom,” “Dar,” Darny,” and “Grandma.” One would say the biggest things that stood out about Darlene were her ability to listen without judgement, to always be there for whoever was in need, and to offer sound advice with a loving heart. She was truly a woman who cared deeply for each person in her life, and always put the needs of others in front of her own. Her energy for fun and creating a laugh was contagious, bringing joy to every room she entered! If asked what gave her the utmost joy this side of life, her response would have been being a mother to her three beautiful children, Ryan, Darren, and Jamie. Then, becoming a grandmother to her 6 beautiful babies, Peyton, Jack, Noah, Carter, Reese, and Charlotte (with another on the way coming from Darren and Larissa that she was thrilled about.)

Darlene’s life story was filled with many chapters. She was born on January 12, 1951, in The Panama Canal Zone of Central America. After graduating from Balboa High School, she attended Canal Zone College and graduated with her AA in Secretarial Administration. In the first chapter of her life, Darlene worked for the Canal Zone Police Force and the Port Authority. Darlene married Neil Frauenheim on December 7, 1974, and shortly after became a mother to her first son, Ryan, on July 7, 1977. Darren and Jamie were later born in Florida, and they became a family of FIVE! Darlene loved being a mom to those three children; they were her world and continued to be until her last breath! She then turned the page and became a homemaker as her ultimate and best job choice! Other interests she had were exercise, sports, and cooking…oh, and PRANKS!! She and her sister Pat were always ready to pull their next big joke! Darlene’s next chapter of life included a marriage to another wonderful man, Mark Swanson. They blended families and did what was needed to successfully raise six kids together. Her story wasn’t always easy to watch or read, but she had a positive outlook and was determined to live for her children. She was one of the toughest women on this earth, beating Stage 4 Lymphoma in 2013 while taking care of both her parents until their final days. She was a loyal daughter to her parents, whom she loved with all her heart. Darlene’s life can be summarized with a few simple principles: Laugh hard, love intensely, and always put family first.

Darlene was preceded in death by some wonderful people: Her mother, Alice Maxine Daly, who was the light of her life; her father, Kenneth Daly, who she looked to with great respect and admiration for his faithfulness to his family and religion; and her sister, Patricia Daly, with whom she shared the wonderful young years of life. Prior to Darlene’s passing, her family also lost Kevin and Kelan Hammond. Darlene is survived by her son, Ryan Neil Frauenheim (Erin Frauenheim,) her son, Darren Frauenheim (Larissa Frauenheim,) and her daughter, Jamie Griffin (Adam Griffin.) Darlene’s grandchildren, who adored her more than anything in this world, include Peyton Griffin, Jack Griffin, Noah Frauenheim, Carter Frauenheim, Reese Griffin, and Charlotte Frauenheim. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Kimberly Hammond, Keith Hammond, Kurt Hammond, Kaeley Campogni, Marissa Hammond, Kristina Hammond, and Kaitlyn Hammond.