Darlene Rae (Heckman) Smith

Darlene Rae (Heckman) Smith, age 89, of Mechanicsburg peacefully passed away at Country Meadows in Mechanicsburg on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Darlene was born on February 11, 1935, in Blain, PA to the late Daniel Rae Heckman and Kathryn (Kistler) Heckman. Darlene was the widow of Robert E Smith.  

Darlene attended William Penn High School in Harrisburg and graduated from Harrisburg School of Practical Nursing in 1967.  She worked at the Polyclinic and Harrisburg Hospitals until the birth of her daughter Michelle when she became a full time housewife.

Darlene was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She will be dearly missed by all those fortunate to have known her.

 In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Richard A. Evans.

Her survivors include her three children: Danny Evans of Etters, Deborah Baker and her husband Blaine of Marysville and Michelle Quigley and her husband Scott of Carlisle.  She is also survived by her sister Patricia Trimmer and her husband Ted of Mechanicsburg, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to join Darlene’s family at a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until time of her service at 10:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. A graveside service will follow at Fort Indian Town Gap beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Contributions in celebration of Darlene’s life can be made to Speranza Animal Rescue, 1216 Brandt Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, https://www.speranzarescue.org/donate.

Darlene’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Darlene’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.