Darlene Yvonne Anderson

Darlene Yvonne Anderson (nee Benson) of Orange, California passed away peacefully on Friday February 21, 2020 at the age of 76. Darlene was born January 28, 1944 in Harvey, North Dakota. She was born to E. Palmer (“Polly”) and Olga Benson.

Darlene married her high school sweetheart, Roger Anderson, in Maddock, North Dakota on September 2, 1962. They moved to California two weeks after they wed with $300 and a trunk full of weddings gifts and have lived here ever since. They raised five children and thoroughly enjoyed the company of their seven grandchildren.

Darlene served as a teacher’s aide at Palmyra Elementary, a bookkeeper, a medical assistant, and most importantly a homemaker. Her hobbies included arranging the plumerias Roger grew, hosting tea parties with her grandchildren, baking, shopping, and supporting the activities her children and grandchildren were involved with. Darlene had an infectious laugh which always made people smile. She was kind, loving, and very witty. Darlene had an open door policy and welcomed all into her home at any time. Sunday dinners were always an important family tradition, along with feeding any and all visitors with chips and salsa, and sweets. Darlene was also a very giving person who possessed a gift of making people feel at home.

Darlene was preceded in death by Polly (father), Olga (mother), and Jerry Benson (brother). She is also survived by her husband of 57 years, Roger; brother, Bob and sister, Susan (Duane); 5 children, Paula (Kevin), Terri (Tom), Tracy (Greg), Jeff (Charmaine), and Sheryl (Stephen); 7 grandchildren, Andy, Jake, Abby, Lily Kate, Brett, Gigi, and Teagan; and her most favorite special furry daughter, Schotzy, her mini Schnauzer.

A funeral service for Darlene will be held Friday, March 6, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County at www.alz.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorial.com for the Anderson family.