May 5, 1932 - Dec 6, 2024May 5, 1932 - December 6, 2024
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Seattle, WA
Long Beach, CA
She started piano lessons at age 5 and continued them for 13 years At some point it was noticed that Darlene had perfect pitch. She received a music scholarship and graduated from Reedley College proud of being a Calif. Rainbow Girl and was selected as Grand Musician for the State of California
1921 Hazel and Fremont West. In 1938 the family moved to Orange Cove in California's central valley.
In 1952 Darlene Married her high school Sweetheart Robert MacPherson They were married 71 years. They spent their next 4 years in San Francisco while Robert First Served in the Navy. Once discharged They made their home in Long Beach Co. They owned MacPherson plastering and Sandblasting on Orange Ave for 30 years with Darlene running the office. Darlene was a devoted wife and working mother. They raised 3 children in Calif. Heights, later moving to Alamitos Heights.
Retiring in their 50's allowed for decades of fun and traveling with friends. over the years they explored much of america in their motor Homes,as well as traveling abroad to Europe, Africa and Asia. once while on a cruise, Darlene entered an onboard talent contest and took the stage to perform a standup comedy routine which she'd tell you" the audience Couldn't get enough of "adding" I'm always ready to take step up to the mic" Darlene always up for a good party and could be counted on for her dry sense of humor and witty reparte. At Home Bobb +Darlene enjoyed an active social life. She was activein the women's bridge and the investment clubs. She and Robert belonged to a group of 10 couples dubbed themselves " the Compatibles" that enjoyed outings together. Darlene will always be remembered as a loyal and loving friend. Generous and kind. She was smart, well read and with a great sense of humor. She is survived by her son mark She was preceeded in death by her son kent , her daughter Pamela, and husband" Robert in 2023. Graveside Sevice 12-30-24 Forest lawn Long Beach. Family + Friends welcome
Darlene West MacPherson, born to Hazel and Fremont West on May 5, 1932, in Seattle, WA, passed away on December 6, 2024, in Long Beach, CA. Darlene was a beloved wife, mother, and friend, known for her vibrant spirit and sharp sense of humor.
Raised in a musical family, Darlene began piano lessons at the age of five, showcasing her perfect pitch and winning a music scholarship that led her to graduate from Reedley College. A proud California Rainbow Girl, she was honored to serve as Grand Musician for the State of California.
In 1952, Darlene married her high school sweetheart, Robert MacPherson. Their 71 years of marriage were filled with love and adventure, starting in San Francisco while Robert served in the Navy, and later establishing their home in Long Beach, where they owned MacPherson Plastering and Sandblasting for 30 years. Darlene managed the office while balancing her roles as a devoted wife and mother to three children.
Retirement in their 50s opened up a world of travel for Darlene and Robert, as they explored the United States in their motor homes and journeyed abroad to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Darlene was also known for her quick wit, once delighting an audience with her stand-up comedy routine during a cruise.
Darlene's active social life included participation in women’s bridge and investment clubs, and she was a cherished member of a close-knit group of ten couples known as "The Compatibles." She will be remembered as a loyal and loving friend, generous and kind, with a wealth of knowledge and infectious humor.
She is survived by her son, Mark, and will be laid to rest beside her husband Robert, who preceded her in death in 2023, along with her children Kent and Pamela. A graveside service will be held on January 3, 2025, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach, where family and friends are welcome to celebrate her life.
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Seattle, WA
Long Beach, CA