Darlene Christine Lee

Cumberland, MD–Darlene Christine (Rowley) Lee, 72, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, on Wednesday, December 3, at UPMC Western Maryland.
Darlene was born June 26, 1953, in Cumberland, MD, to the late Elwood Mitchell Rowley and Emma Mary (Testa) Rowley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Robert "Bob" Rowley, Raymond "Ray" Rowley, and Mark Rowley.
Darlene was a 1971 graduate of Fort Hill High School, where she made many priceless memories with her friends and was always the life of the party. She spent several years working at the Business Office at Allegany College, where her coworkers and students fondly remember her. A spirited soul with a heart of gold, Darlene loved big, spoke passionately, and had a fierce devotion to her family and friends. A nurturer to her core, Darlene always had an open door for her friends, family, or anyone else in need of a warm bed, a funny story, or a hot meal. Darlene enjoyed giving sentimental gifts with thoughtful, eloquent, handwritten notes to her grandchildren. Darlene had a thankful heart and appreciated the simple things in life– a home-cooked meal, a laugh with her family and friends, or a warm, sunny day spent on her porch swing. She always reminded her family to slow down and take in the beauty of the world around them, to go outside, take a deep breath, and look up at the night sky if they were feeling lost or disconnected from the world. Darlene was a constant reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was light and beauty to be found if you knew where to look for it.
Darlene's greatest achievement and true passion in life was being a "Nana" to her 12 grandchildren. In her home, she had designated areas for each one, filled with pictures, notes, trinkets, and other cherished items that reminded her of each of them. More than just a grandmother, Darlene was a second mother, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a lap to sit on if they needed someone to rock them– even as adults. She loved to talk about her grandchildren and was infinitely proud of their accomplishments, both big and small. To her grandchildren, there was nothing Nana could not make happen, and was lovingly described by her only grandson, Karmine, as "magical," which she was truly nothing short of. Darlene frequently told her grandchildren that they would "forever be her always," and her love, memories, guidance, and wisdom continue to live on through them.
Surviving are her three sons, Trinity Rowley (Tara), Grant Lee, Ben Lee (Danielle), and her beloved grandchildren, Emma Rowley, Lazayia Lee, Mariah Lee, Ayonna Lee, Amirah Lee, Gianna Lee, Haven Lee, Harlowe Lee, Kennedy Lee, Kamryn Lee, Aaliyah Smoot, and her one and only grandson, Karmine Lee, all of Cumberland. She is also survived by one great-grandchild, Keymari. One of eight children, Darlene is also survived by her four sisters, Lillian Jacobs (Tom) of Frostburg, Linda Snoots, Debbie Slider, and Patricia Rowley, all of Cumberland, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, and her dear friend Linda Lewis.
Darlene's family takes comfort in knowing that she is at eternal peace, reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven with her brothers and her Mommy and Daddy, who welcomed her with open arms.
A graveside service will be held Monday, December 8th, at 1:00 p.m., at Davis Memorial Methodist Church Cemetery, with food and fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Davis Memorial Methodist Church.