Darlene Joy MacDonald (née Wories), resident of DeBolt, Alberta, formerly of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at the age of 71 years.

Darlene was born on July 21, 1955, in Mission, British Columbia. Born to an adventurous family, she spent her childhood living throughout the Fraser Valley and interior British Columbia. In the fall of 1969, they were packed into a trailer heading north to the Yukon. While in Whitehorse, Darlene met her future husband, Joe MacDonald. They settled in a cabin on Fox Lake for several years until moving back to town in 1978. Like a true Yukoner, Darlene left school early to work highway construction and was later employed with the Yukon government while bookkeeping for the family company. Darlene and Joe relocated in 2000 to be closer to family, calling DeBolt their new home as she moved into semi-retirement working as a part-time landscaper.

In her Yukon years, Darlene spent her spare time camping, walking through the town of Whitehorse, and coaching her kids’ baseball teams. Once in Alberta, she embraced the rural life, dedicating more time to her yard and garden. Although hindered by the remoteness of living in the North, Darlene had a passion for travel. From local parks and campgrounds to a cross-country family road trip from Whitehorse to Antigonish, to farther destinations in Australia, Europe, and Central America, she always wanted to see what was out in the world.

Wherever she was, Darlene’s heart was always in the outdoors. Whether it was working in a camp on the Alaska Highway or mowing the local museum lawn, walking lazy Whitehorse streets or hiking up Mt. Robson, she always had a need for “fresh air.” Every birthday party was a campfire, and morning coffees were always out on the porch. When she was forced to be inside, Darlene enjoyed playing games, solving jigsaw puzzles, and watching Blue Jays games. Inside or out, there was always a dog and sometimes a cat around.

If not for birthday wiener roasts and the smell of campfire smoke, Darlene will be remembered for her compassion, caring ways, and grace. She lived a life true to her faith, offering second chances, forgiveness, and empathy to anyone who needed it, believing it was never her position to judge. From friends in need to vagrants just passing through to lost exchange students brought home by her kids, everyone was welcomed into her home, and she always cooked enough for leftovers. Hard-working and self-sacrificing, Darlene was quick to offer help, and if she couldn’t help, she’d encourage. Even in failing health, she was talking about things she needed to get done and thinking of what she could be doing for others.

Darlene will be deeply missed by her husband, Joe MacDonald; her sons, Steven Wories and David MacDonald; her grandchildren, Sam Wories and Danica Wories; her sister, Shirley Mackin; her nieces, Nadine Stewart and Jackie Fogarty; and her dog and cat, Lemmy and Bebop.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Theresa Wories.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Gospel Light Church in DeBolt (1105 Township Rd 721A).

Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (https://www.guidedogs.ca/donate/), Teen Challenge Canada (https://www.teenchallenge.ca/), Hope and Healing International (https://www.hopeandhealing.org/), or Rising Above Ministries (https://www.risingabovegp.com/qry/sr_donate.taf).