Darla Rooney

Darla Rooney (Foote), born on June 7, 1943, passed away peacefully on July 10th at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of her family.

Darla spent her early years in Johnson before moving to Jeffersonville. A proud graduate of Milton High School, she attended the Jeanne Mance School of Nursing, answering a lifelong calling to care for others. A devoted Catholic and longtime member of St. John Vianney Parish, Darla's faith and compassion were a steady presence throughout her life. She and her husband, Wally, met in Jeffersonville and raised their family in South Burlington, Vermont, building a home rooted in love, community, and tradition.

A lifelong nurse, Darla was known for her strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to others whether it's family, friends, or patients. She lived in service to those around her, always placing their needs above her own. She was a devoted sister, a loyal friend, and a calm, constant presence offering warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures: a competitive game of cards, tending to her treasured blue hydrangeas, and baking with her grandchildren. Her homemade pies, jams, and famous banana bread were the centerpiece of every family gathering. She never let anyone mess with her hair, unless it was one of her grandchildren, and she never let anyone win at cards, including them. A fierce competitor and loving grandmother, Darla's wit and smart humor shone through until the very end.

She loved laughter and storytelling, especially the tall tales and jokes told by her beloved Wally. Darla's greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her kindness, strength, and enduring love will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.

She was predeceased by her loving parents, Donald and Florence Foote; her daughters, Marcy and Stacy Rooney; her godson, Tom Sharrow and her brother in law, Greg Sharrow.

Darla is survived by her devoted husband of over 60 years, Walden "Wally" Rooney, with whom she built a life grounded in love, compassion, and family. She was the cherished mother of Michael Rooney of Williston, VT, Kevin Rooney and his wife Lorna of Battleboro, NC, Jennifer Rooney Greene and her husband Mike of Needham, MA. Her Grandchildren, Kaitlyn and her wife Kayla, Christopher and his wife Zoe, Catherine, Emily and Natalie. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Foote, and his wife Alice, her sister, Linda Burke and her husband William and her sister, Donna Sharrow.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd, Burlington, VT. A Mass will take place at St. Marks, 1251 North Ave, Burlington on Saturday, August 9th at 11:00am with burial at Resurrection Park, 160 Hinesburg Rd, South Burlington. A reception will follow at The Essex, 70 Essex Way, Essex, VT, and all are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Darla's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate or P.O. Box 96011,Washington, DC 20090).

Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.