Darlene Louise Duncan

Darlene Louise Duncan (Barber), a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully at her home in Edgewood, California on January 22, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born in Dunsmuir, California on December 9, 1932, she lived a life full of warmth, hard work, and love for her family and friends. Darlene was preceded in death by her daughter Mary Duncan (1956), husband William Byran Duncan (1929-2016), and son, Bruce Anthony Duncan (1967-2024). She is survived by her son, Byran William Duncan (wife Nancy), granddaughter Mary MacNaughton, great-granddaughters, Claire and Anna, and sister Diane Giramonte (Barber), as well as many close friends and family who will miss her dearly.
Darlene's life was marked by many accomplishments, one of which was her crowning as the 1948 McCloud Lumberjack Fiesta Queen, a title that captured the vibrant spirit and community pride she embodied from a young age.
Darlene's professional career began as a teller for Bank of America in Redding, California, where she developed her strong work ethic and commitment to service. She later worked for the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Yreka before transferring to Barstow where she ended her career as the lead driver's license examiner. She retired with pride from the DMV, having served her community with distinction for many years.
Following her retirement, Darlene returned to her beloved Siskiyou County, where she spent her golden years reconnecting with old friends and family. A lifelong correspondent, she treasured keeping in touch with loved ones near and far, sending handwritten letters and cards that brightened many days. She also enjoyed her work as an election's pollster, a role she took seriously, valuing her contribution to the democratic process and her community.
Darlene's life was defined by her unshakable devotion to family and her dedication to the service of others. She was a woman of grace, kindness, and resilience, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her memory will be forever held in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.
A viewing will be held on January 30th, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Girdner's Funeral Chapel in Yreka, California. A graveside service will take place at the Henley Hornbrook Cemetery in Hornbrook, California, on January 31st, 2025, at 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Sons of Italy Hall in Weed, California.