"It?s almost been a year since you?ve been gone. A lot has changed , but how badly I miss you and long for you hasn?t. I wish I could see you, hug you, talk with you. With the holidays coming it?s been so much harder, I love you mom. Forever. "
In loving memory of
Darlene Brown
On December 12, 2020, Darlene J. Shehy Brown, loving wife and mother of two, passed away from a fatal car accident.
Darlene, born January 22, 1968, in Youngstown, Ohio, grew up in New Bedford, Pennsylvania. A 1986 graduate of Wilimington Area High School, Darlene enjoyed the clarinet, powderpuff football, softball, and was lovingly called "Toots" by her classmates. After high school Darlene moved to central Pennsylvania, married, and had two daughters, Mary T. O'keefe Vannucci, and Erin E. O'keefe. Darlene relocated to Ocala, Florida after she married her soulmate, a former classmate at Wilmington, Jeffrey Brown. The two were married in 2006 and remained so until Darlene's passing. Darlene enjoyed helping others and worked as a patient care assistant and housekeeper for several alzhiemers and eldersly residents throughout Ocala, Florida.
Darlene J. Shehy Brown is preceeded in death by her father, James. F Shehy; her mother, Arlene O'Connor Shehy both of New Bedford, PA; a half-sister Deborah Patten Fitch of Texas; and her loved Boxer, Duke. She is survived by husband Jeff Brown of Ocala, FL; Daughers Mary O'keefe Vannucci of Ocala, Florida, Erin O'keefe of Ocala, Florida, three grandsons Michael Vannucci, Mason Vannucci, and Landon Vannucci; one step son, Tucker Brown of Tampa, FL; two sisters, Darla Shehy Marks of Pennyslvania; Diann Shehy Mitchell of Texas; one brother, Jim Shehy of Georgia; one half-sister Denise Queere of Ohio; Darlene loved horror movies, hard rock, country music, but found her truest passion as a Nana to her three grandsons, her peanut (Mikey), her sugarbear (Mason), and her Nugget (Landon.)
The Family would like to acknowledge and thank the many family, friends, co-workers, and highschool classmates who have sent their sympathies. Further condolensces may be sent to the family and virtually via the link provided.
Tributes
"Darlene was a kind woman with a smart sense of humor. She adored and deeply loved her family. The amount of time with each other is never a guarantee and certainly Darlenes time here on earth was far too short. I think of her often and certainly whenever I hear something about her beloved Steelers. RIP my dear friend and hugs to her family. "
"Mom, I don?t have the words to explain this feeling of losing you. You feel so far away and so close at the same time. I know you will forever watch over us and that makes me smile. I wish so badly I could talk to you one more time, send you pictures of the boys being silly and just hear you talk about life. I didn?t ever think I?d lose you so young. You always said you wouldn?t be here forever but I didn?t think it would be like this. I love you and will do everything I can to be the best sister and mom, I know that?s what you would?ve wanted. I cant wait to see you again. I?ll miss you forever. ?"
"Darlene will be greatly missed. We had many good times together with our girls being the best of friends. I?m so grateful they remain close. Darlene will always be in my heart and I will always be there for her girls as best I can. Her life was cut short and my heart breaks for all who loved her. May you find comfort in each other and remember the good times you had with Darlene. I know I will. "