Darlene Hartley

1943 - 2023

Darlene Hartley August 29, 1943 - May 1, 2023 A celebration of life will be held at Warm Beach Camp Program Center on June 17 at 3:00 PM

On May 1, 2023 our lovely Darlene Dunkin Hartley went to her heavenly home after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Dar, the only child of Chester and Harriett Dunkin, was born in Galveston, Texas on August 29, 1943. Some of Dar's earliest memories were of the family relocating often, while her parents attended 3 different colleges. Each relocation meant a new school for Dar and the need to make a whole new group of friends.

A move after college took the family to Hoquiam, Washington. Dar really enjoyed living in Hoquiam but being part of a Minister's family, in those days, meant living in one place very long probably wasn't going to happen. The family's next move was to Queen Anne Christian Church on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. Dar completed high school at Queen Anne High, in the class of 1961. Like many students, Dar didn't have any idea what she wanted to do with the rest of her life, but her dad came to her rescue. He said, if she would go to Seattle Pacific College and majored in education, he and Harriett would pony up for all her expenses, but if she made any other decision she was on her own. She very quickly became a rabid Falcons fan and a lover of working with young children. Dar said her college years gave her many opportunities to learn from exceptionally competent educators who showed Christ-like characteristics. She also cherished the lifelong friendship of many SPC classmates. She did admit that more time with academics and less on social aspects might have improved her GPA.

During her senior year at SPC, she spent part of her student teaching experience at White Center Heights Elementary School in the Highline School District. It was there that Dar discovered she really did love teaching. White Center Heights hired her immediately upon graduation and thus began a 33-year, highly gratifying career in education, 27 years in the classroom and 6 years in administration.

In the spring of 1973, while singing in a church choir and working with the youth program, Dar and Bill Hartley became acquainted, quickly fell in love, and were married on June 10, 1973. They spent 50 wonderful years of life together. They had 2 children, daughter Mary, a nurse, and son John who sadly died of a brain aneurysm at age 31. Mary is married to Greg Hoffman and they have sons Mason and Luke.

As a youngster, Dar did not care much for traveling but she and Bill found a real love for adventure and took many memorable trips to wonderful and exotic places throughout the world.

Over the years, Dar had the privilege of serving on many boards and committees, which she enjoyed very much. She was wise, dedicated to the objectives of the group, and often brought an element of humor. Dar had a delightful sense of humor and could be very entertaining.

Bill retired in 1992 Dar followed in 1998. They built a home on Camano Island and would enjoy 12 wonderful years of island living. Dar didn't totally quit working in retirement and did student teacher supervision for four universities, acted as an educational consultant with 2 School Districts, and served one year as Administrator for Highland Christian School. In 2012 they moved inland to a condo in Stanwood Washington, living there for seven years. They have lived with their daughter and family for the past 4 years.

After Dar became too ill to be out and about, she spent hours texting and writing notes of love, praise, condolences, and encouragement to friends, relatives and even sometimes to people she didn't know personally. She was a woman of deep faith and shared her love for Jesus in so many ways.

Dar was a beautiful, energetic, and amazingly fun person to be around. She will be missed by those lucky enough to be part of her friends and family.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23