It is with eternal love and sadness that this week we celebrate the 75th birthday of our beloved Darlene Alford. In the heart of Los Angeles after World War II, Darlin spent his early years with his younger sister in nearby Covina. Fortunately for him և Pete, their mother found them a wonderful father figure in Carl McKay, who deeply cared for them and accepted them as his own. Shortly after graduating from high school, she met a young man who had joined the Air Force, and they moved to Lombok, Ka. It was there that he gave birth to Lee, his first daughter in 1964. It was not long before Darlene divorced and remarried a man who already had three children. Before you could say “Brady Bunch,” her first son, Alan, was born, followed by her youngest daughter, Debbie, and then one divorce, all before the age of 23. In 1970, Darlene and her three children moved to San Diego to be close. his parents, finally settling in Santi in 1974. He never moved again! She worked several jobs, sometimes two, to care for her family at a time when single mothers were not widely supported in society.
When the children were alone, Darlene pursued the things in life that made her truly happy. From a young age, he had a real passion for music, which he stayed with all his life, especially dance. The San Diego Swing Dance Club gave him the opportunity to share his love of music (և large music collection) with others with the same passion. By the way, Darlin was a very good dancer. There is no doubt that his love for music has been passed down through him for many generations.
Then came the Grandchildren, who became the center of his universe. Her greatest joy was spending time with her beautiful little ones, be it the San Diego Zoo, the Wildlife Park or the Sea World. Darlin was always interested in what young people were doing at the time. The hardest thing for Grandma Darley was that she could not see so many grandchildren after her children left. All he ever wanted was to be with his family.
Darlin was simply an amazing, generous, independent woman with many interests. He loved camping outside, especially Yosemite. He had a special connection with waterfalls, flowing streams, all kinds of animals. In fact, he always had at least one cat friend around him. He was also a collector of many antiques, be it dolls, hats, books, spoons, old coins, plates, or bottles.
His favorite things to do include Betty Boop, Coca-Cola murder mystery TV shows, especially Agatha Christie. He loved the San Diego area, went to dinner, explored old and new places, especially Balboa Park, the Old Town, the seaport village. When he retired, The Day Trippers allowed him to travel the region with like-minded seniors, visiting musicals and museums of all kinds. Darlin loved to draw a lot, he had a contagious smile that was unique. It was said that Darlene was the most stylish lady of all time.
The positive impact that Darlene has had on so many lives can never be overstated.
Darlin was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Լ DeLois McKee, his sister, Pat McCain, and his grandson, Cervantes Jr. He is survived by children Lee (Jerry) Owens of Moreno Valley, Ka, Alan (Jenny) Alford of Galt, California և Debbie (Kim) Dexter Ozark, USA; grandchildren Tabitha, Samantha, Casey, Trisha, Madison և D; grandchildren Anna, Gabriel, little Brooks, as well as his favorite cat, Kate.
The celebration of life will be held later in his memory camp at Cumay Lake Lake Mission Trails Park in Santi, California.