Darlene Smolen

Darlene Smolen - SMOLEN, DARLENE" Entered into rest, peacefully at home in Santa Rosa, CA, January 31, 2013. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Al Smolen. Dearly beloved mother of Tom and Patty Smolen of Cumming, IA and Jan and Gary Lieberman of Rohnert Park, CA. Cherished grandmother of Matthew, Brendan and Corrine Smolen, all of Cumming, IA and Garrett Lieberman of Rohnert Park. Also survived by her siblings; Dolores (Jim) Draper, June (John) Homes and Ted (Karen) Erickson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Darlene was born on February 13, 1928 in Racine, Wisconsin and graduated from St. Luke"s Hospital of Nursing as Class Valedictorian in 1949. Her nursing career was dedicated to all aspects of medical care including ICU, ER, Labor and Delivery, and later in her career as a receptionist in a physician"s office. In 1959, Darlene traveled across country to see what California was all about. It was in Santa Rosa where she met her future husband, Al. They were married in 1961. Together, they resided and raised a family in Rincon Valley. At 47, she was widowed and committed her life to her two children, ensuring they received higher level education, high morals and values which assured for their future success. She was also so proud of her grandchildren"s accomplishments in school, music and sports. Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her best friend, Dolores Jensen (D.J.), whom she met on a Day Tripper"s Bus to the Giants Game. The two passengers quickly became friends and shared many special travel adventures together. A special "Thank You"