Obituary of Darlene Marie Peck
It is with great sadness that the family of Darlene Marie (Charlton) Peck, 81 of Bear River, announce her passing into the eternal Kingdom of her God on September 21, 2021. Born May 2, 1940 in Kempt, Darlene was the daughter of the late Albert and Arvilla (Weare) Charlton formerly of Maitland Bridge where Mom spent her early years.
Most of her full and loving life was spent as a mother to her six children, as well as Mark and Tyler. Once that part of her life was well in hand, she set about caring for foster children which numbered well over 100 before she decided to take a well-earned rest. During all that, she did hold a position at the Canada Post in Bear River for a few years.
Darlene was a long-time member of the Bear River Advent Christian Church. Among her many loves were her family, Christmas, a good cup of tea, visiting with her close friends and mother-in-law, a good walk, knitting, Jeopardy, Live at Five Milestones and especially children. Her love and caring for the foster children she took into care at all times of day and night, from new born to teenagers made her and husband, Rodney, two very remarkable people and they were recognized for that love and dedication with the 2000 Canadian Achievement Award by the Canadian Child Welfare League. The award was presented in Vancouver, BC at the end of their annual general meeting.
Among the many left to grieve the immeasurable loss of Darlene are her surviving sons, Stephen (Diane), Bradley (Rebecca), and Jeffrey (Donna), all of Bear River; son Marvin (Karen) of Mount Uniacke; daughter Melody (Gregory) Henshaw of Sam Harris Road; and foster sons Tyler of Windsor and Mark of Kentville; and sister Virginia (Curtis) Orde of South Milford. Also feeling the loss are grandchildren, Matthew (Joy) Henshaw, Abbigayle (Justin) Leblanc, Marcus (Brittany) Peck, Jaklynn (Jean) Brunet, Derek Rosso-Peck, Crystal (John) Hudson, Craig, Eric, Brett and Luke Peck. Those grandchildren also provided Darlene with 12 great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly along with many nephews, nieces and close friends.
Besides her parents, Darlene was predeceased by her loving Husband of 58 years, Rodney, son Glendon and brother Royden.
Due to COVID restrictions the planned memorial service will have to be by invitation only and we please ask that you respect the family's wishes on this matter. “We know that the tremendous love our mother showed to everyone and especially children including the over 125 foster children she had the great joy of providing care for, there will be many who would wish to attend in person and pay their respects but will not be able to be included in the guest list and for you all, the service will be recorded and a link will be posted to various electronic media soon after.”
Also, due to COVID restrictions there will be no reception and a family burial will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Advent Christian Church (902-467-3869) or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Digby, NS B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).
