Darlene Rose (Huisman) Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved, Darlene Rose Smith (nee Huisman) on October 17, 2021, at the age of 79 years.

Darlene is survived by her loving and devoted partner and husband of 41 years, Rick; 3 children and their families; daughter Michelle (Dana) Lee, grandchildren Brittany (Neal) Sunderland, Jesse (Kelly), Alyssa (Trevor) Maskey, daughter Roxanne (George) Dalton, grandchildren Braden, Kyle (Jessica); son Darren Collins, grandchildren Keiyvan (Roshni) Heslehurst, Kristopher (Lyssa), Kai, as well as 5 great grandchildren.

Also to mourn her is one brother Robert (Dolores); three sisters-in-law Connie (Roger) McMullin, Cathy (Merrill) Schweitzer, Lavonn Mutch; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; one brother Lloyd; and their beloved cat (our four-legged furry brother) Yo-Yo.

Darlene was the daughter of Albert and Rose. She grew up on the family farm, north of Foremost. She was taught to work hard and to do it the right way, both in the home with her mom and also in the fields helping her dad. Darlene moved into Lethbridge when she was 18 to go to secretarial school, where she met and married her first husband, Donald Collins. She raised her 3 children as a single mother and worked darn hard making sure things were done to the best of her ability. She will forever have our eternal respect and love.

Darlene was a very thoughtful, kind and loving person – with everyone, and more so with her family. She was taught she was a renowned perfectionist and took pride with the work she did for her home and yard. Darlene worked hard to make sure that everything was outstanding – for every reason. She was the family’s “Energizer Bunny”. After the sudden, unexpected death of a young niece and to honor her, Darlene designed and created their “Christmas House”. For over 25 years, many people brought their families to enjoy the lights and sights and to walk through the yard. Through the many donations they received, they supported different charities (MADD, Children’s Wish Foundation, Lethbridge Regional Hospital – Children’s Ward, plus many more) each year and were able to help fulfill many children’s wishes. Darlene had a wide variety of interests – cooking, sewing, crafting, home and yard improvements – you name it and she could figure out ow to accomplish it! She loved to have fun and often drove down the street like Cruella De Vil, to “embarrass” her children (and even grandchildren) and their friends, not knowing that everyone actually loved it. Mom was great! Darlene was well respected in the Construction Industry, as she worked alongside Rick with their painting business. The contractors knew their jobs would be completed on time and the quality of their work was incomparable. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

Our family also wishes to acknowledge the quick response and care from the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Dept. 3 and the doctors and nurses from both the Lethbridge Regional Hospital and Foothills Cardiac Intensive Care Unit 103A, for their knowledge, experience and compassion. Also, a special thank you to Rev. Fr. Sajo Jacob – Diocese of Calgary, for performing the sacraments as the Last Rites of the Catholic Church, for Darlene.

A private Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date, for family and invited guests.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Darlene’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

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