Darryl Behrendt-Lemieux

Darryl (Gamble) Behrendt-Lemieux, 71, of Brattleboro Vt., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, surrounded by friends, family, and generously loving caregivers at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, Vt.

Darryl was born in Fitchburg, Mass. on August 30, 1938 to the late Arthur and Gertrude (Barnes) Gamble, and was raised in East Hartford before she made her life in Enfield. She later moved to Brattleboro, where she has resided for the past eight years. Darryl worked at Brooks Pharmacy in Enfield for many years as a Pharmacy Technician while raising her family, and is predeceased by her second husband, Robert J. Behrendt, third husband, Pierre Lemieux, and more recently, her partner, Eugene Miller. Darryl enjoyed organizing events and was an avid knitter and crafter. She also enjoyed bingo. Darryl was a devout Christian, firstly as a member of St. Bernard Church in Enfield, and then a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Brattleboro. It was at St Michaels Church that Darryl became a member of the Daughters of Isabella, helping to support their many functions. Darryl had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm loving heart for all she encountered: She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, and embraced life despite her difficult health struggles. She will be missed by many.

Darryl is survived by her two sons, David A. Hancock of Brandon, Fla., Jody Behrendt and daughter-in-law, Laura Behrendt, of Ellington; and two daughters, Wendy Beth Hancock-Rizzo of East Hartford, and Heidi Behrendt of Crown Point, N.Y. In addition, Darryl enjoyed her five grandchildren immensely: David Hancock of Washington State, Daniel Rizzo of Connecticut, K.C. Hancock of Connecticut, Heather Megan Hancock of Ohio, and Joshua Behrendt of New York. Darryl was also very proud to welcome two great-grandchildren, Landon Hancock of Ohio and Lilyanna Hancock of Connecticut, and was looking forward to the arrival of a third great-grandchild in January.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield, followed by burial in St. Bernard Cemetery, where she will be buried beside her husband, Robert J. Behrendt.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any local Hospice as Darryl was a strong supporter of Hospice, and they supported and assisted her in the illnesses of her loved ones; in Enfield, to Home & Community Health Services, Hospice Program, P.O. Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083.

Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels is entrusted with arrangements.

For information and online condolences, please visit

www.leetestevens.com