Darlene Mae Best (nee Lawrance) beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born to Cecil William Lawrance and Mildred Arvilla Evans on May 19, 1950. Darlene built a life rooted in deep love, creativity, and devotion to her family.

She shared her life with her cherished husband, Larry Donald Best, and was a loving mother and stepmother to Little Tommy, Dwayne, Reanne (Lisa), Jo-Ella (Chris), Kelsey (Jared), Karrilyn (Cory), and Clayton (Flora). Her Lawrance sisters-in-laws Muriel, Shirley, Gloria and Julie. The whole extended Best family (Joan, Ken, Todd, Wade and Brenda).

Darlene was the proud grandmother of Cami, Cody, Quinton, Jade, Jarret, Eden, Rebecka, Liam, Blake, Tashia, Reese, Zachary, Prestin, Emily, Alicia, Wyatt, Layton, AJ, Lacie, Justin, Jaelin, Britney, Heidi, Kelly and Brandi. And the adoring Gigi to Robert, Oliver, Jack, Adonis, Griffyn, Aubrielle, Jace and Erica.

Her unwavering love and gentle wisdom left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Darlene took great pride in every member of her family and extended family near and far. Mom’s biggest passion was genealogy in which she found relatives across the world and connected with them online for years.

Darlene is predeceased by her son Little Tommy, her parents Cecil and Mildred, in laws Emily and Donald Best, siblings Ricky, Lyle, Clara, Alec and Garth as well as -in- law Kelly Stevens, nephew Danny and niece Angie.

Darlene had many jobs through the years all expanding her friend base. She worked in the food industry and as a nurse’s aid until an injury, in which she had to move. Her two favorite jobs were a day home position and her job at Walmart where she was a super sleuth trying to prevent shoplifting. She would be heard laughing and visiting with those who entered and exited. Her pockets were full of stickers that matched the one on her face. She would ask all school age children where they went to school and if they knew Ms. Jo-Ella, who was a teacher. She befriended everyone and still people will comment on how much they miss her at Walmart.

Darlene resided at the Lakeview Lodge until her admission to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, wishing and hoping to move to Mackenzie Place to be with her husband Larry, having to separate due to health issues broke her heart. Darlene loved Lakeview Lodge, the games, the singing, dancing with her walker and her kinship. She spoke fondly of her friend’s past and present who also resided there.

Thank you to Auntie Joan who ensured the care for Papa and ensured he could attend the hospital to see Darlene. A special prayer of thankfulness and appreciation goes to the staff of unit 12 of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. In particularly to nurse Tammy, who was mom’s nurse upon entering the unit and made not only mom feel at ease but helped Jo-Ella in the first few days. To nurse Nneake who was a breath of fresh air and treated mom with such dignity. A special warm hug to Tobi the nurse that was on staff the morning of Mom’s passing whose presence was so calming and loving. A special thank you to Dr. Santodomingo who had seen mom various times over the last couple of years and was always so kind. Thank you to Dr. Owanga who was there upon admission and answered so many questions. Thank you to all the student nurses who although were learning their roles, was respectful to mom and helpful to Jo-Ella through her final days.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 11:00 am at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave) Grande Prairie, AB Luncheon to follow the Service.

Memorial Donations may be made to Veterans Association – veteranshelpingveterans.ca

Please wear Pink