Darlene Frances Smith, 72 of Turlock, Ca, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2022 at her home after a lengthy illness she had bravely fought for the past couple years. Darlene was born in Nashua, New Hampshire to Frank and Emma Robbins on July 27, 1950. She was the fourth of eight children they shared. She lived the first 13 years of her life in New Hampshire, she relocated to Southern California in 1963 with her mother and her siblings. She attended and graduated from Sylmar High School in Sylmar, Ca in 1968.
Darlene worked as a waitress and then manager at the Kress Lunch Cafe in San Fernando, Ca where she met her future husband, John "Smithy" Smith. Darlene and Smithy were married on December 21, 1973 in Las Vegas NV and soon after moved to Turlock. Darlene is mother to two daughters; Jannette Lillian Mallett of Turlock, Ca and Samantha Dawn Smith of Modesto, Ca.
Darlene enjoyed drawing and painting, specifically charcoal and watercolor mediums, in her younger years, and later developed a love for gardening and cooking. She loved to cook for others and enjoyed sharing meals she prepared with family and friends. She also had a knack for removing stains, she could get a stain out of just about anything. More than anything she loved children. She was mother to two, but was Aunty and surrogate mom to many others. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her many nieces and nephews and just about any kiddo she encountered. She babysat and nannied a number of her nieces and nephews throughout the generations. She loved them much, spoiled them some, and was loved much in return. She was a loving mother figure to many children and young adults. She will be remembered for the unconditional love she gave so freely to others, no matter their circumstance.
Darlene was preceded in death by: her husband; John Norman Smith, her parents; Franklin Robbins Sr. and her mother; Emma Robbins Chesney, Her brothers; Franklin "Butch" Robbins Jr. and Michael Robbins Sr., as well as two sisters, Carol Robbins and Sandra Robbins.
Darlene is survived by: her two daughters: Jannette Mallett and Samantha Smith, and three siblings, Linda Moyer of Turlock, Ca, David Robbins of San Luis Obispo, Ca and Virginia Robbins-Cook of Manteca, Ca, as well as many, many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at Kings Way Church in Turlock, Ca on December 30, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Please join the family for a reception immediately following the memorial service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Smith family.
