Darlene M. Young

1954 - 2021

Darlene M. Young, 66, of Arlington took the High Road to Heaven from the Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center on Thursday July 1, 2021 shortly after a heart attack. Besides being a very special daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and godmother, Darlene was beloved by friends, classmates, co-workers and fellow church members. Darlene always tried to take the High Road in any issue in life. That's just the way she lived. She will always be remembered for trying to do what was best for patients, customers, students, community and others -- sometimes to the frustration of her bosses. She graduated from St. Joseph College in Bennington with an associate's degree and went on to get a bachelor's degree at the same school -- then called Southern Vermont College. With degrees from both institutions, it was only appropriate that Darlene was elected the first president of the combined Southern Vermont College/St. Joseph College Alumni Association when an alumni group was formed in the early 1990s. She served multiple terms as president of the association that allowed graduates to reconnect with the college and helped provide opportunities for fundraising, social events and other activities. Darlene's Catholic faith was important to her and the way she treated people. She was active in Vermont Catholic Daughters, teaching religious education classes, preparing the young for the sacraments, working with youth groups at Catholic churches in the Bennington County region. She started at a young age both working and volunteering, including as a Candy Striper at the hospital and that helped her develop an interest in patient care and nursing. She also joined the Junior Rescue Squad -- a wing of Arlington Rescue, which her father helped establish. Darlene brought her various talents and sense of humor to all jobs, including Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Catamount Access Television (CAT-TV), and The Vermont Country Store. She was active with the philanthropy work for VCS. Darlene tried to stay on top of local issues in the town of Arlington, where she was a life-long resident. She was a longtime Justice of the Peace and enjoyed connecting with residents while working at the polls during elections. She also officiated at weddings. She also worked as a substitute teacher for the Arlington School system. Darlene also worked behind the scenes to help friends with grants and students with scholarships. Darlene enjoyed sending greeting cards for all occasions, and postcards especially from Maine -- her favorite vacation spot. She was born July 15, 1954 in Bennington the daughter of Robert James Young Sr. and Joan (Shippey) Young. Darlene graduated from Arlington Memorial High School in 1972 and had kept in touch with many classmates over the years. Besides her mother Joan, Darlene is survived by two brothers, Robert James Young Jr. (Sandra) and Brian John Young, all of Arlington; two nieces, Kimberly Weatherbee of Wells and Brianna Young of Bennington, two great nieces, Sayde Elizabeth Wulff of Cambridge, N.Y. and Alexis Joyce Young of Wells; an aunt, Mary (Shippey) Webb of Bennington; and various cousins and friends. Darlene was predeceased by her father in January 1995 and several aunts and uncles. A Mass of Christian Burial for family and friends will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday July 12 at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on West Main Street in Bennington. The burial will be at St. Columban Catholic Cemetery in Arlington. There are no visiting hours. In honor of Darlene, please take a few minutes to offer an unsolicited act of kindness to somebody in need -- or if friends desire, memorial gifts in Darlene's name may be made to: Arlington Rescue Squad, 66 Chittenden Drive, Arlington, VT. 05250; the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department, 184 Old Mill Road, East Arlington, VT. 05252; or Rutland Humane Society Shelter, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT. 05763.Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home in Bennington is handling arrangements. To send the family personal condolences, please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com