Obituary of Darlene McFarlane

Mrs. Gertrude Myrna Darlene McFarlane of Sussex passed away on March 26, 2026 at the Saint John Regional Hospital at the age of 93. Born in Picadilly on January 8, 1933 she was the daughter of the late James and Gertrude (Kilpatrick) Adair.

Darlene is survived by three sons: Eldon McFarlane (Dianne), Stephen McFarlane, Kenneth McFarlane (Darlene), and four daughters: Betty Murray (Brian), Effie Thorne (Philip), Dawn Adair (Paul), Sheryle McFarlane (George), as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Darlene is predeceased by her beloved husbands: Donald, and Nelson, her sons: Russell, Murray, and infant son, Leonard, granddaughters: Jamie, Shannon, and grandson, Nik; her brothers: Ronnie Adair, Eldon Adair, James Adair, and by her sisters: Carol Adair, Constance Adair, Dorothy Dalling, Genevieve Dalling, Ruby MacLeod, and Donna MacKenzie; and her daughter-in-law, Cindy McFarlane.

As a young girl, Darlene worked as a waitress at a couple of family-owned restaurants in the Sussex area. She also worked as a cook in a logging camp. While raising her family she worked at the McCready's pickling company, and then in the tearoom at G. E. Barbour Co. for many years, until she retired.

After retiring Darlene become involved at the All Saints Anglican Church in Jefferies Corner as a Church Warden. Her interests included camping, gardening, knitting, quilting, and reading. But one of her favourite things to do was playing board games with her grandchildren. They will testify that she was very competitive.

We extend our sincere gratitude for the many years of excellent care provided by Dr. Green, including the support from the extramural nurses, Karen LeBlanc, and a special acknowledgement to all of Mom's neighbors at the Sussex Anglican Seniors Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). At her request there will be no visitation. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00pm at St. Mark's Anglican Church (4 Needle St., Sussex Corner, NB). The interment will take place at Trinity Cemetery Sussex Corner at a later date.

Donations in memory of Darlene can be made to Epilepsy Canada, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Trinity Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, or a charity of the donor's choice. Donations and personal condolences to the family may be made through www.wallacefuneralhome.com