Darlene Marie Poirier, 73
Darlene Marie Poirier, 73, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, also a longtime resident of Bigfork and Hot Springs, "went to sleep May 20, 2008, surrounded by her family, and woke up in Heaven." She was born in Kalispell, on Oct. 13, 1934, to William and Suzie Ehret. Her childhood days were spent in Kalispell where she spent a lot of time with her cousins, the Kellys and the Fagerlands. She spoke fondly of Bernice and her family and retained a long friendship until Bernice's passing.
A gypsy in her own right, her family often spoke of the many lives she lived and the wonderful friendships she made along the way. Darlene spent time in California when she was younger with her father. She traveled to Florida and New York, then back to Montana and her mountains, living in Kalispell until she moved to Hot Springs, then to Chatteroy, Wash., and then spent time in Seattle and over to Sunburst. She relocated to Bigfork, where she made her home for 18 years.
After the death of her longtime companion and best friend, James Baker, she moved to Idaho to live with her daughter, Yvonne. Darlene would travel back to Montana for the summers to spend time with her son, John.
A friend to all, a mother to most, she was preceded in death by her son, William Clifford; and longtime companion, James Baker.
Darlene is survived by Lewis, Steven, Debra, Yvonne, John, Cris, Todd, Linda and Randy.
Darlene was a member of the Back Country Horseman and volunteered with the Family Forestry Expo and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Kalispell. She was also an Eagles member who loved hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, playing cards, boating, reading, dancing and having drinks on Thursday afternoons with the girls in Bigfork when she was visiting.
Although time with her many friends was important, family was at the top of the list, but all of her friends were family and her tree-trimming and dirty Santa parties were always fun.
She loved the Sanders County Fair and was planning to attend this year so she could see all her friends and play bingo.
Darlene loved to cook and eat and was not afraid to try anything. Jan, Donald, Roy and Lola and countless others were lifelong pals.
Her family grew and grew to more than 20 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two on the way. She also has a brother, William, in Arizona. She loved Cabo, Queenie, Chandler and Boone - the family pets whom she spent countless hours talking and playing with. She loved to go to the karaoke shows with Yvonne and Todd, and enjoyed all of the singers who always sang what she wanted to hear and sat and visited her, even at home. No matter what age, she was timeless and enjoyed visiting and mothering up to anyone she met, including the North Idaho Hospice members.
To the newest members of her extended family - Liz, Joanie and Sally, and all the rest - thank you!
Darlene would appreciate any donations to be made in her honor to North Idaho Hospice. There have been two memorial services scheduled for Darlene. The first one was held May 29 at the Hayden Eagles. The second will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Kalispell Moose Lodge. "So come celebrate her life with us. 'Life is for living and I lived mine fine.'"
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.
Please visit Darlene's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.