Frances Darlene Jenkins-O'Mara

Frances Darlene Jenkins-O'Mara, born on March 22, 1954, in Sarasota, Florida, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 71 in her home in Panama City, Florida.

In her younger years, she worked as a sign language teacher and volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as the Audubon Society. She was known by many names - Dubie, Dar, and D - but her most beloved one was Mom.

As a mother, Darlene instilled in her kids kindness and empathy, to love learning and creating, to lend a hand to friends and neighbors, to care for the earth (yes, that means stopping to pick up that piece of trash), to have a playful sense of humor, leaving room for some fun and adventure (don't forget your pokey stick).

Nature was her temple, but the beach was her sanctuary. In the rhythm of the waves, she felt grounded. During long walks along the shore, she not only discovered clarity but also found plenty of treasures. The ocean breeze seemed to carry her laughter and light. Her curiosity was contagious, making everyone who walked beside her inspired to pick up a pretty shell and take it home.

Not only did she keep her heart open, but also the door to her home (literally and figuratively). To know Darlene, was to know a true friend and a great story. Her grace and strength will be missed by all who knew her.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Vernon Bush and Frances Gorman.

She is survived by her daughters Sarah (Chris) Jenkins, Melissa (Garrett) Sze, sons Devin O'mara, Christopher (Denise) Sze, and Brock (Jaclyn) McKenna, grandchildren Violet McKenna and Ava Sze, her siblings, Brad (Kate) Bush and Tony (Linda) Bush, nieces Layla (Nick) Bush, Jenna Bush, and nephew, Dylan Bush, and many cherished friends.

An announcement of the celebration of life to come. In lieu of flowers, you can honor Darlene by helping protect nature through the Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/.