Obituary of Darlene L. Smiley-MacDonald

Darlene Louise Smiley-MacDonald, age 57, Salt Springs, Pictou County, passed away February 14th, 2018 with family close by in Valley View Villa, Riverton. Born in Liverpool, Darlene was daughter of Shirley Smiley and the late Arthur Smiley. Darlene is survived by her brother David Smiley (Pamela Pettipas) and grandmother Rena Lantz.

Darlene attended grade school in New Glasgow, where she met life long friend Debbie van Vulpen. She went on to further her education with both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Engineering from Acadia University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS). Darlene found success as a Chemical Engineer employed by Canso Chemicals and Northern Pulp; she worked hard as one of the few women in the field at the time her career began. Darlene married Alex MacDonald in 1994 and the two lived together in a country house in Salt Springs. Darlene was a mother to two daughters Alisha MacDonald and Heather MacDonald.

At age 50 Darlene was diagnosed with Early Onset-Alzheimer’s; she remained living at home until a year ago, when she then began living at Valley View Villa. The care Darlene received from the staff at Valley View Villa was excellent; she was able to have meaningful visits with family, friends and her dog Luna while also being cared for her needs as a patient.

Darlene enjoyed singing along to music in the car, cooking, and caring for her pets. Darlene will be missed dearly by all who’s lives she touched with her sense of humour, kindness, comforting nature and ability to smile through adversity.

Her funeral services was held on Monday February 19th at 2 pm at St. Luke’s United Church, Salt Springs with Rev. Jim Webber-Cook officiating. Donations may be made to Valley View Villa, The Alzheimer’s Society, Saint Luke’s United Church or any charity of your choice.