Darlene Jeanette Johnson Ortega

Denver Public Schools

Darlene Jeanette Ortega passed away at the age of 78 on Friday, January 20th, 2023 after a courageous battle with gastric cancer. Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on June 29, 1944 to parents Buford Johnson and Virginia Gallegos-Craine. She was second to the oldest child of twelve siblings. Darlene spent her childhood in Canoncito de Los Manuelitas where she was raised with her grandparents Delfido and Serafina Craine. She married her loving husband Vincente Ortega on November 26, 1960. The young family ultimately relocated to Colorado.

Darlene will be remembered for the compassion and strength she demonstrated throughout her life. At an early age she contracted both Polio and rheumatic fever and battled the paralyzing impacts of the disease by re-learning to walk. Despite the challenges of raising a family and working, Darlene attended night courses at various institutions, including Denver University, Arapahoe Community College, and Antioch College. With a desire to help others, she used her education to work in social work and to establish a 32 year teaching career with Denver Public Schools (DPS). During her tenure at DPS she specialized in early childhood education. She notably was the first bilingual teacher for the Head Start Program, where she started her career as a teacher aide. Later in life, she battled and overcame breast cancer.

After retirement, Darlene enjoyed spending time with family and babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Skilled at needlepoint and crochet, she often made bespoke blankets and towels for family and friends. She was well known for her biscochitos, enchiladas, and her homemade peach and choke cherry preserves. In her golden years, Darlene continued living a joyous life, particularly enjoying date nights with her husband; dancing and pursuing her dreams in singing and songwriting.

She was preceded in death by her son Juanito Ortega; her siblings Ernesto Johnson, Joann Ortega, and Diane Barela; and her parents Buford Johnson and Virginia Gallegos-Craine. She is survived by her husband Vicente Ortega and children Pauline Ortega, Ernestine (Danny) Archuleta, Vincent (Tammy) Ortega Jr., and Johnny Ortega. She had nine grandchildren: Alfredo Gonzales Jr., Johnathon Gonzales, Darlene (Kevin) Templeton, Danielle (Matt) Archuleta, Danny Archuleta Jr., Vincent Ortega III, Victoria Ortega, Sienna Ortega and J.R. Ortega; and two great-grandchildren Henry Templeton and Thomas Templeton.

A rosary service for Darlene will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary Chapel of Peace, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Catherine Catholic Church, 4200 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80211. A committal service will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Please join the family following the committal service for a reception at

VFW Post 9644

2680 W Hampden Ave

Englewood, CO 80110