June 15, 1951 – May 6, 2021

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Darlene “Deanie” Lynn Friesen, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Leona Foreman of East Selkirk, Manitoba.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband Ken Friesen and sisters Dale (Peter Harris) and Janice (Casey Kehoe), sister in laws, Irma (Lorne Driedger), Elvina (Henry Hiebert) and brother in law Norman Friesen (Joyce).  She will be fondly remembered by all her nieces and nephews.

Darlene was raised in East Selkirk, Mb and graduated high school with aspiration of becoming a nurse.  Darlene went onto Red River College to become an LPN and completed her training in Dauphin, Manitoba. In 1972, she met the love of her life, husband, Ken Friesen.  They moved to Camrose, Alberta in 1974 and married in 1976.  Darlene and Ken were married 44 years. Their marriage was a true testament of love, patience, joy, and care they had for each other.  Darlene remained a nurse for 8 years but had other dreams she wanted to pursue.  Darlene had always wanted to own her own business and in 1995 opened a successful kitchen & gift store called “Rosewood” in Red Deer.   Rosewood was one of Darlene’s many passions and the success of her business was a result of her hard work, ethic and genuine love for her customers.

Darlene also loved to spend time outdoors with her husband.  She and Ken loved to spend their weekends in the Rocky’s hiking and enjoying fine dining.  Upon retirement, Ken and Darlene travelled around the world.  They visited many beautiful places including destinations in Europe and South America but she always loved her trips back home.  Darlene would often make several trips a year to Manitoba.  Spending time with family, friends and sharing a glass of wine and laughter with her sister Dale with whom she shared a special bond.

Darlene was a great friend to many and a special aunt to her nieces and nephews.  She always offered her love support in the good times and the bad.  One friend wrote to her saying “you have made a difference here on earth”.   Darlene will be dearly missed by her “Timmies group” and “lunch ladies” whom she loved visiting with on a regular basis.  Darlene’s absence will be felt by many because her presence brought joy and happiness to all.

The family would like to thank all of her wonderful friends who supported Darlene and Ken through this difficult journey and a sincere appreciation to the staff at Red Deer Hospital (3^rd floor), Alberta Homecare and Red Deer Hospice for the extraordinary care they provided.  If friends desire, memorial donations in Darlene’s memory may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society (99 Arnot Ave. Red Deer, Ab T4R 3S6) or Central Alberta Cancer Centre (3942 50A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6R2).

Due to COVID restrictions, a small private family funeral service will be held for Darlene on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 11:00 am. To watch the livestream of the service, please sign in to Facebook and search ST Mary’s Catholic Church (Red Deer) at 11 am.  If you don’t have Facebook, you can watch the recorded service at a later time on the church’s website:  https://stmarysparish.jimdo.com

Condolences can be left for the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com

• Date : 2021-05-06
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home