Darleene Cecile Cooper

Darleene Cooper
A lifelong resident of Palm Springs, Darleene Cooper passed away on November 19, 2024, at the age of 89. She was born on March 6, 1935, in Doyle, Wisconsin. At the age of 4, her family moved to Palm Springs when her father was stationed there due to his military service. Darleene often said there was no place like Palm Springs, with its beautiful San Jacinto Mountains, and she vowed to never leave. And she never did.
Darleene was known for her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit. She had a remarkable ability to brighten any room with her smile and sense of humor. Throughout her life, she demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others, especially for those less fortunate. She was known to give to the homeless, often making up plates of food to distribute on Thanksgiving. Whether at home or on vacation, Darleene's heart was always open to helping others, a legacy she instilled in her children.
A graduate of Palm Springs High School (PSHS), Darleene had a deep love for music. She received music instruction while attending PSHS and learned to play the saxophone. Her musical accomplishments included being named first chair during her junior year and marching with the PSHS band in several parades.
Darleene enjoyed a fulfilling career as a retail clerk at several local supermarkets for many years, where she became a beloved figure among customers and coworkers alike. Her trademark smile, friendly nature, and flair for fashion-complete with a bow in her hair-made her a memorable presence. She found joy in meeting new people every day and continued that spirit of connection after her retirement. Even as a customer, Darleene's bright, upbeat attitude and kind words left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Darleene was an active member of the Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs. There, she became known as the "Queen of Bingo" and enjoyed dancing and socializing in her retirement.
Above all, Darleene's greatest treasure was her family. She made incredible sacrifices to ensure her children received a good education by attending St. Theresa's School as well as special classes for their unique talents. Her four children were her greatest pride and joy. Her charming home was filled with her cherished family photos, her beautiful garden highlighted by her roses and majestic Palm Trees-a testament to her love of family and Palm Springs.
Darleene was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Raymond Renville, her sisters Shirley Boyd and Phyllis Warner, and her beloved children Carolyn Ragland and Michael Combs.
She is survived by her daughters Robin Fifield and Sharon Fox-Sobczak, their spouses, and seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Darleene's legacy of kindness, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Solitude Church, 151 W Alejo Rd, Palm Springs, California, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, with the viewing and eulogies from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Graveside service will take place at Desert Memorial Park immediately following.