Darlene Marie Rawling

Darlene Marie Rawling, 54, of North Haven passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2025, at Smilow Cancer Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in New Haven on June 21st, 1970, she was the daughter of Valerie Moore Rawling and Richard Rawling Jr. (Dina). Darlene was a 1988 graduate of North Haven High School and earned her BS in Human Development from UConn in 1992. Darlene's professional career touched countless lives. She worked for many years as a Director of KinderCare Learning Centers in North Haven, Cromwell, and Hamden. Her exemplary leadership skills led her to be assigned to open and accredit several CT KinderCare Centers. Darlene was also the Director of Masonic Child Development Center for many years and most recently worked for Benchmark Senior Living Centers as a Director of Business Administration and Community Human Resources Director. Darlene positively impacted hundreds of children, seniors and families, but none more than her daughter, Brooke Marie Plummer, whom she loved with her entire being. Sister of Valerie Rawling Pierpont (Ed). Aunt of Marissa Pierpont (Shawn Smith), Michael Pierpont (Alexandra Sauro), Olivia Dunham (Rick) and Scott Cushing (Hayley), Great-Aunt of Easton Edward Smith and Hallie Dunham. Also survived by her former husband Kevin Plummer and her beloved pets Belle and Peaches. Darlene was a member of the Wallingford Elks Lodge, enjoyed music, UConn basketball, and being with friends and family (especially her daughter, nieces and nephews) whom she loved unconditionally. Darlene's presence and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Private services have been entrusted to The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A celebration of life will be held by the family at a near future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one's favorite animal charity in Darlene's name.