Jackie Darling

1944 - 2016

June 19, 1944 - October 31, 2016 Longtime Pasadena resident Jackie Darling died of natural causes in Vancouver, Washington October 31 with her husband of 52 years and eldest son Michael at her side. The sudden, unexpected death brought a remarkable 72-year journey to an end, and left a lifetime of memories for those fortunate enough to know her. Looking back, her early childhood taught her how to make the most of challenging circumstances; a skill she perfected throughout her life. She truly believed if life knocked you down three times, you got up four. In 1964, Jackie Newman married Charles Darling and a year later gave birth to first son Michael. He was joined by brother Trent before the family moved to Denver where weekends meant family outings in the Rockies. Years passed and the busy family relocated to Seattle where the Pacific Northwest made a strong impression on the Darling clan. The next stop was Los Angeles, where the couple would remain for 37 years. They took up sailing and enjoyed coastal cruising and trips to Catalina with friends and family. Along the way, travel became a passion that took them to distant lands and historic places. During her adult life Jackie came to love whitewater adventures, riding motorcycles, cooking, foreign movies and gardening. Jackie launched her real estate career and thrived for more than three decades. Her engaging personality won clients over and closed many housing transactions in the Pasadena area. She relished the idea of working in a community with such a diverse population and rich architectural heritage. In 2002 the family was blessed with the arrival of grandson Ian Darling and Jackie became a doting grandmother; a role she treasured. Last December, Jackie and Charles returned to the Pacific Northwest, moving to Vancouver, Washington where they planned to spend their last years together. Tragedy struck on October 31 when she quietly slipped away in her sleep at Peace-Health Southwest Medical Center. Her warm, loving approach to life and those around her will be missed. It will be celebrated in the spring in a special gathering of friends and family. Jackie did not want a funeral or memorial service. Instead, her ashes will be scattered in the Pacific she loved so much.