Photo courtesy of Herbert Funeral Home, PC
Feb 24, 1947 - Nov 6, 2025
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Aunt Darlene. Her kindness, strength, and wisdom will remain with us always. May she journey in peace and rest in the care of the Creator.
Robin Brown and Family
November 09, 2025 | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Vicky Tenbrink
November 08, 2025 | Grand Haven, MI | Family
🦅 Honoring the Journey: Darleen Lynn Martin-ba 🐻
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Elder, Darleen Lynn Martin-ba, who began her journey to the spirit world on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Darleen-ba, a cherished member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and a proud carrier of her Anishinaabe heritage, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
As an Elder, her presence was grounding—she knew the importance of keeping the fire and ensuring the knowledge survived. She embodied the Anishinaabe values of wisdom, honesty, and courage. Her life was a testament to enduring strength, navigating both the beauty and the difficulty of this world with dignity.
A Legacy of Love and Kinship
Darleen-ba dedicated herself fully to her family and leaves behind a powerful legacy of love and kinship.
She is survived by her devoted children: Sonia Dunn, David Conway (and his spouse, Kim Conway), and Jamie Friedel.
Darleen-ba was a proud grandmother to 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews who will carry her memory and her teachings forward in their lives. The ripples of her love will extend for many years through the vibrant lives of her descendants.
Walking with the Ancestors
Darleen-ba now walks with the ancestors who preceded her, including her parents, Doris LaHaye and Kenneth Reichard, and her siblings, Al Reichard and Shirley Brauker.
As we release her to the care of the Creator, the family finds comfort in knowing she is walking in a beautiful place, watching over all whom she loved. As the Little River Band prepares to honor her journey, we recognize that her spirit will remain a powerful force, watching over all she loved. She leaves us with a quiet mandate: to remember our responsibilities and to care for one another.
Miigwech for the life she lived and the gifts she shared. She will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Aki Maadiziwin Community Centerfrom 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
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