Darlyne Lois Blatnick's Obituary
Darlyne Lois Blatnick, 93, wife of William F. Blatnick, went home to be with the Lord on Monday July 13, 2015. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of seventy-three years, Bill, and their two sons and their wives: Michael and Catherine and Terry and Lisa and her grandson, Brian. She will be dearly missed by her niece Radha Speer and her nephew Stephen McGowen. Darlyne is also survived by her sister Bonnie Bradley and her family as well as by her aunts: Maxine Wells and Gail Boatman, both from the Yingling side of the family. She is also remembered by her sisters-in-law: Mary Blatnick and Jackie Blatnick.
Born on April 9, 1922 in Yuma, Colorado, Darlyne, along with her two sisters Dolores and Bonnie, grew up surrounded by the love of their mother, Charlotte Stephens and their father, Manford L. Stephens. Charlotte was one of eight Yingling daughters. Darlyne held dear memories of her aunts, especially time spent living with Aunt Maxine's family in Long Beach in 1941 when Bill was at Boot Camp. Darlyne and Bill began their married life on May 17, 1942.
Once the war was behind them, they began their family life on Edgemont Drive in San Bernardino with the birth of Terry in 1947 followed by the birth of Michael in 1957. Sixty-eight years later, you can still see Darlyne's touches everywhere in the house especially in the garden where she spent her happiest hours.
She inherited her green thumb from her mother, Charlotte, or Mama as she was called. Remembering Mama and Steve's home on Muscubiabe Street along with Mama's fruit trees and flowers brings fond memories for the entire family. Darlyne carried on the family talent for gardening in Laguna where she tended the hibiscus, roses and wild strawberries that Mama had planted there.
Always ready to help others, Darlyne spent forty years as a volunteer for the St. Bernardine's auxiliary helping to care for patients during their stay by bringing comfort items like candies or reading materials to their room on a cart. She also helped to run the gift shop there for many years.
Darlyne and Bill have spent their recent years enjoying time in both San Bernardino and Laguna. At home, Darlyne continued to care for their home while Bill enjoyed his regular golf game. In Laguna, they spent all their time together either relaxing or enjoying a meal out. Her favorite activities were jigsaw puzzles and listening to audio books.
Throughout her life, Darlyne had more than her share of challenges. As a family, we want all to know what a fine example of fortitude she has been. She was slow to complain about her physical discomforts and her optimism kept her focused on the bright side of any situation.
We have all been blessed by her presence in our lives. We will treasure our memories of her and we bid her a loving farewell. Rest in peace, Darlyne.
The family has requested that donations be made to the St. Bernardine Medical Center Auxiliary at 2101 N. Waterman Ave. San Bernardino CA 92404 (909) 883-8711 or the Humane Society of San Bernardino 374 W. Orange Show Rd San Bernardino, CA 92408
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