Obituary of Darlene Vankoughnett

Darlene was born in Calgary, Alberta on August 31, 1955 to Vivian and Guy Dumais at the Calgary General Hospital. The family later moved to Kamloops, BC when she was 5 years old, where she began kindergarten before moving to Surrey, BC where she completed her education. She went on to work at Poultry Processing Factory after graduation. Darlene then moved to Calgary where she met the father of her children; Leeann, Angela, Desmond and Darcey. She worked at Rosemount Industries for several years before moving to Dawson Creek, BC - a move that would change her life forever. It was in Dawson she met her soul mate, Kevin Vankoughnett, and married each other on September 22, 1987. They loved each other; they argued with each other, they enjoyed each other's company. Life within their home was always interesting with Desmond constantly making Darlene laugh, Leeann being content to Angela and Darcey keeping their parents on their toes; together they proudly raised their four children, giving them all the love a child could ever want and teaching them what is most important in life - Family. Darlene owned and operated her own company called "Maid for You", a housekeeping service before working for School District 59 and Community Living. She also volunteered at the Salvation Army. She worked for the School District, faithfully, for 18 years after applying at the request of her best friend Giselle Pinard. Giselle and Darlene were inseparable. Friends for more than 20 years, they mimicked each other in life before meeting as friends. They considered each other soul mates, sisters, co-workers, partners in crime who shared the same brain. You could always catch Giselle and Darlene going to garage sales EVERY weekend and Darlene bartering every sale. Highly spoken among her peers and loved by her family, it was the lessons she taught her children that will remain a legacy forever. Darlene was an amazing, strong, courageous woman who loved her children and grandchildren to no avail. Family was most important. Her giving spirit and strong beliefs will always be remembered and her ability to see the good in everything no matter how traumatic has taught her children to be strong, courageous and confident in everything they do. Darlene peacefully went to be with Kevin on April 6, 2010, at the Dawson Creek Hospital in Dawson Creek, BC. She is predeceased by her father Guy Dumais and husband Kevin Vankoughnett. She is survived by her mother Vivian Dumais; brothers Larry (Dulice) Dumais and Clint Dumais; children Leeann (Gary) Girard, Angela (Iven) Davidson, Desmond (Toni) Dumais, Darcey Dumais; grandchildren Quinton, Kayden, Brenden, Adrien, Ayla, Lilly, Nahneya, Taryn, Lyric, Rhaynel; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of her life was held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room at Central Middle School. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Darlene to the Salvation Army Food Bank.