April 29, 1944 - October 22, 2022
In loving memory ~
Surrounded by love and in the arms of her family, Darleen passed away peacefully at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Saturday, October 22nd, 2022.
Darleen was born on April 29th, 1944, and spent her formative years in Hamilton, Ontario. As a young girl and well into later life, she was heavily involved in her passions for dancing and theatre productions. When she moved to the Cowichan Valley with her family in 1991, Darleen joined the local theatre scene where her many talents flourished and lifelong friendships bloomed through the Cowichan Musical Society, the Vaudeville Express and the Centre Stage Dancers. Darleen's smile lit up any room she entered! A friend to anyone she met, even a stranger in a grocery store, she always turned heads with her fun-loving spirit, sense of humour, outgoing nature, kindness and her genuine care and concern for others. Her compassion for the well-being of all animals was second to none. Her generosity was ever present with the local BCSPCA and the Lakes Animal Friendship Society.
As a lover of life, she engaged in many hobbies ranging from interior decorating, gardening, travel, and shopping, to skeet shooting, plus spending much time with her family and friends. Darleen's love for her family was evident to all who knew her. She emphasized the importance of togetherness and warmly embraced her loved ones.
Darleen is predeceased by her parents David and Margaret Almas and her two sisters Barbara Weegar (Lloyd) and Joyce Karschti (Mike). She is survived by her partner Laurence Pion, brother, George Almas (Veronica) and children Cameron, Andrea, Adriane, and their father, Harold Pickavance of Vancouver Island. She was a loving Nana to her three grandchildren, Elise, Kathleen and Charles Pickavance of Vevey, Switzerland. Darleen is also survived by her many nieces and nephews and her grand-dog & grand-cat.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Darleen near her hometown in Ontario on March 18th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be kindly made to an animal welfare society of your choice.
We miss you every day
and love you more than words can say.