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Margaret "Darlene" Brown

Margaret Brown Obituary

BROWN, MARGARET "DARLENE" November 24, 1935 to May 28, 2007
Margaret Darlene (Cooksey) Brown, 71, a resident of La Costa, CA for 12 years, died in a traffic accident on Memorial Day. Born in Long Beach, CA to Norton and Edith (McCaul) Cooksey, Mrs. Brown grew up in Sierra Madre and Long Beach, graduating from Wilson High School. She married Robert Lewis "Bob" Brown in 1952. They were happily married for 37 years before Bob's death in 1989. Darlene was an avid volunteer and generous donor to the Wild Animal Park, and many other causes. She also was on the board of the America's Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society. Always active, she loved to dance and for many years she did Country Western and Scottish Country dancing. Her ever present smile, twinkle in her eyes and good nature will be sorely missed by all her family and friends. Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Eileen of Irvine, Dave and Cindy of Moorpark, and Rick and Mary of Carlsbad; sister, Patricia Schery of Foster City, and brother, Jonathan Cooksey of West Chester, Ohio; and eight grandchildren, Kenneth, Gregory, Heather, Timothy, Patrick, Adam, Jennifer and Allie. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 18th at Quail Botanical Gardens at noon in Encinitas. Darlene will be interred at a later date at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA, next to her husband Bob. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: Zoological Society of San Diego; Attn: Memorial Donations, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112. Donations specified as "Darlene Brown Memorial Gift."Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Jun. 10 to Jun. 14, 2007.
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Darlene was a vibrant and fun-loving lady who joined our family as a daughter/sister-in-law when Patsy married Stephen. She was attentive and giving to Grandma Schery and we will all miss her greatly. Surely she is dancing, singing and enjoying friends in the next life just as she did in this one.

Teris, Mark, Loren & Marisa Schery - Lipsey

August 22, 2007

I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face as I read all the wonderful messages that have been posted about my sister, Darlene. Thank you all so much for sharing your memories of Darlene and your kind words of condolences. I will always cherish them. I know Dar does also. Patsy

Patsy Cooksey Schery

July 17, 2007

From England...........
We met with our dear friend DARLENE firstly here in England(1993),then briefly in Paris,France (1999),but also twice in Ca (2000 & 2006).
She had such an effervescent personality .Always thoughtful and kind - she was interested everybody she met up with.Her sense of humour was infectious and her smile radiated to all around her. We exchanged Emails regularly and she revealed an interest in world affairs particularly those events which affected our two nations.'Keep that Star Spangled Banner flying high !'was often how we signed off to her.
Almost every day we think of her remembering those happy special times we spent together. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of her family especially her sister Pat,who first introduced us to her,and those two guys Adam and Patrick who came with us and Darlene,a few years back now, to the Flower Fields and across to Catalina Island . ( Do you remember A&P ?)
Darlene is gone but will not be forgotten because she lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her......

Bill and Joyce SPEED , Bedford ,ENGLAND.

William Speed

July 16, 2007

To Family and friends in memory of a cherished friend.Darlene Cooksey Brown. She has touched our lives and made a difference in them. Her contribution to society her faith fonfirmed. I know she has joined the Angels in heaven, doing for others as she had done on earth. I was unable to attend her Memorial June 18, as I had just gotten out of the Holpital from surgery and am healing slowly. Her spiritual journey brought her piece and confidence which we shared it brought us through lifes journey, highs and lows. Our friendship started in 5th grade in l945, age ten. In Sierra Madre School Calif.Darlene youngest sister Patsy they lived in the canyon of Sierra Madre with their parents. We joined /brownies. They were my second family. Then Darlene moved away to Long Beach but we still kept in touch.in 1952 she Married Bob Brown. 1954 I married Jim Enright. We both had three boys. I remarried in 1975 To Hank Reib.When Darlene moved to La Costa we saw eachother often. Celebrating our November Birthdays. Our Sierra Madre Girl Scout group six had reunions. Darlene joined us,l994 in Sierra madre our first reunion. We visited the canyon taking pictures where The family lived. Mrs. Gertrude Gerke was our scout leader, we all kept in touch. Three other reunions we attended. Then The last event we attended together Pasasdena College class of 1953 50 anniv in 2003 Reunion.Family and friends attended and the girl scout group. Held at the Arcadia elks lodge.
Rick Brown made arrangements for us to have a suite for his mom Darlene Hank and me. What a wonderful gift. All school friends and Girl Scouts of Sierra Madre send condolances.Friendship is God's most perfect gift.It is a miricle that dwells in our hearts. Nancy Enright Reib and Hank Pine Valley ca.

NANCY Enright-Reib

July 5, 2007

Thank you all for the incredible stories and sharings. I've read these over and over again and it helps me, and I'm sure all of us, cope with this tradegy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Rick

July 3, 2007

What an increditable women Darlene was. I was gratiful to have the opportunity of knowing Darlene through our church and after not seeing her for several years, I ran into her at a Jazz Festival in Costa Mesa. She hadn't changed a bit, looked the same as the last time I saw her, beautiful, young and very happy. What a blessing she was to know and I am gratiful that I had the opportunity of calling her my friend. I know she is dancing with the Jazz music, where ever she is. She will be truly missed, but never forgotten.
My condolences to her family.

Pauline Taylor

June 23, 2007

I met Darlene in 1988 when her son David married my Aunt Cindy. She was always very kind to me. My prayers and thoughts are with her children and family that the Lord is by their side helping through this hard time. Someday when the Lord comes back to take us home Darlene's Children will see her again. Until then hold on to the good memories you have of her, they will get you through this time.
Love In Christ,
Mandy (Yates) Griffith

Mandy Griffith

June 20, 2007

I am sorry to hear of Darlene's untimely death. I met her first at the Double S ranch and always enjoyed seeing her whenever she visited Socorro. My sympathy goes to her family.

Kathleen Le Febre

June 20, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you... May God give you strength to endure these difficult times.

Joe & Odette Kuhn

June 18, 2007

To Darlene's family,
We were truly blessed to meet Darlene 9 years ago. She was one of the kindest and most caring people we know. She took care of "our first born" Cali on many occassions and was truly a part of our extended family in California. She took care of Cali as if she was her own and she loved spending her dogcations with Auntie Darlene. We all loved seeing her and looked forward to hearing about her travel adventures. She was always so full of life and definitely was not one to let it pass by without celebrating each and every day.

My children Alex and Rachael, loved seeing her too and looked forward to each visit to the yellow house on the cul de sac. I can't imagine driving by her now empty house. We hope all of the kind words in this guest book help you realize how loved Darlene was by her friends. She was one of a kind.

With great sadness in our hearts,

Lynne, David, Alex, Rachael & Cali

David Baum

June 18, 2007

Only recently I had the good fortune to meet Darlene. She was going to take care of my little Chihuahua while I spent some time with a friend. She welcomed me into her home and treated me as if we had been life long friends already. It was apparent that she wanted both my dog and me to feel at ease. She asked if Bambi would feel best sleeping beside her. I was relieved, and she said that was fine. She went on to tell me that there had only been one problem, and that was a time when some larger charges would not all fit in her bed. The solution was simple, she said. She shared the floor with them. I will always treasure the memory of this wonderful lady who genuinely cared so much about all others. She truly had a heart of gold. May God bless her, and the family and friends she loved so much.

Ann Allen

June 18, 2007

To Darlene's Family,
We have been fortunate enough to live right across the cul-de-sac from Darlene for the last 8 years. We can hardly bear to go outside and see her empty house since she has been gone. Her warmth, her always-positive and gentle spirit gave our neighborhood such joy, and we sorely miss her. I will never forget the first time I met Darlene. We had a very dirty cat (she had gotten outside for a day or two) and we were out in our garage giving her a bath in the wash-tub. The cat was quite unhappy, and she began shrieking incessantly in the loudest cat voice ever. Within a couple minutes, there was a loud pounding on our garage door. We opened it, and of course there stood precious Darlene, looking just as concerned and worried as can be. She couldn't ask us fast enough if our cat was ok. She said, "I heard a kitty in distress!" I thanked her profusely for her caring and her interest in the welfare of our cat, and quickly showed her that we were just giving her a bath. I will never forget the look of relief on her face. What a remarkable, one-of-a-kind person. How lucky you are to have had her as part of your family. I can't even imagine how you all must miss her. We all miss her too. We are grateful that she touched our lives.

Mary Castelloe

June 17, 2007

i met Darlene about 5 yrs ago at the wild animal park where we both worked (she as a volunteer, me as an employee). She came into the restaurant where i was working requesting a cup of coffee. Turns out she was 5 cents short, apologized, turned to leave. I said ah, come-on, I'm sure I can come up with a nickel. She looked like someone I would like to get to know. On her next shift, she sought me out to repay me the nickel. I said, ah, come-on, forget the nickel, let's get together for lunch and get acquainted. And so we did - lunch, the movies, races, etc. What a lovely lady. I'll be forever grateful to have had her as my friend for this relatively short time. She spoke so sweetly of her kids & grandkids, showering me with pictures - so proud. I loved her & will miss her so. Bonnie Herron

June 15, 2007

bonnie herron

June 15, 2007

Every time I saw Darlene I said to myself that I just saw the sweetest person in the world. She looked after my dogs and treated them like her children. The amount of love and kindness Darlene had was truly amazing. She will be missed, and I consider myself blessed for knowing her.

Warren

June 15, 2007

Warren Goldberg

June 15, 2007

My Dearest Darlene....
Words can't express how much you are missed. I feel a deep sense of sadness since the day I was informed of your death, not only from me but my 4 legged children, Bailey and Bubba, who will also miss you greatly!
I met Darlene about 12 or 13 years ago when she watched my dogs for a week. She tended to Bailey and Bubba as if they were her own children, they were so loved and tended to with the highest level of care that one could ever give. My dogs just loved her! My little Bailey is truly a momma's girl and never leaves my side, but if Anutie Darlene was caring for her then Bailey only wanted Darlene. I could barely get Bailey to leave Darlene's house. I couldn't believe my eyes...Darlene's love showered my dogs with so much attention, kindness and tenderness that they preferred her over me.
Darlene was so incredible to me and my family when my dog Bailey had cancer. Darlene would often come over to watch my (busy)toddler son so that I could bring Bailey to have chemo treatments. Darlene was such a god send to me.
When I have described Darlene to other's, the first thing that always came to mind was that Darlene is the nicest and most loving women I know. I just loved Darlene with all my heart. I looked forward to hearing her cute quotes on her answering machine which always made me smile! And the love that Darlene had for her family was so evident in all her conversations. Darlene spoke of her Grandchildren with the warmest heart and just adored then all.
Darlene was suppose to be the guardians of Bailey and Bubba if anything had happend to myself or their Daddy. I now know that the path was for Darlene to be there for Bailey and Bubba to open her heart and wings for my dogs arrival in heaven when that day arrives. Darlene you are amazing angel....and I love you for being so wonderful, full of love and compassion. You are truly the best!
My thoughts and prayers go out to Darlene's family and her friends.
Love always,
Peggy Wren

Peggy Wren

June 15, 2007

The world just got a little sadder. I'll always remember her as the calm in the middle of the storm: mouse trap wars, shower doors, pigeon coops, Grandma's spells, boys with guns. She had a talent for finding a reason to smile and giving it to you if you couldn't find yours. She made every place she went feel like home and that’s hard to do in an RV. She was the only one I didn’t mind calling me Jimmy. I’ll miss that and her more than I can say.

Jim Brown

June 15, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.

I became a very lucky person when Darlene became my Aunt. Aunt Darlene always made me feel like someone special and wanted, she made me feel like family from the moment we met. I will always remember the fun times we had like being at Pine Mountain Lake or going to Old Town and the beach and just walking and talking.

Aunt Darlene you are in my heart and soul forever.
Love,
Laura

Laura Limb

June 15, 2007

Darlene, my mother in law (mom), my friend. I miss you so much, I think of you daily, and I look forward to the day we meet again in Heaven. God really blessed me when he brought Darlene into my life and into the lives of my children. She loved her family with all her heart, and she was the most gracious generous woman I have ever known. Her outward beauty was just a glimpse of her inner beauty. She was a jewel, and she will live on in our hearts and memories. I love you mom, thank you for being the grandmother, mother and friend that you were. Your spirit will continue to surround all those whose lives you touched. Thank you God for this wonderful blessing you brought into my life.

Cindy Brown

June 15, 2007

Darlene was the song in everyone's heart! Not to long ago... one of our band leaders passed away... this is an email I received from Darlene about Larry:
We will all miss this most talented man. He never gave up tho he had just had a stroke and many other ailments. He has shared his joy of music, his laughter, making us all feel so special. God be gentle to this wonderful man.
With sadness, Darlene

I miss Darlene dearly, she was my song.... U can tell in her writing ... just how caring of a person she was... She would always say she was my 2nd mom! I was honored..;-)
UnfortunATELY, I will be out of town this weekend... Love U Darlene & will always miss U and your caring ways !!!
Carey

Carey Thoza

June 14, 2007

I had the great pleasure of meeting Darlene once. I instantly felt the warmness of her heart. I've heard many stories and have seen how much she meant to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and always Loved

Jason Fields

June 14, 2007

My Grammy was the most beautiful person I have ever known. She taught me what it was to be a lady. I will cherish every memory I have of her, going to musicals, Disneyland, and the Wild Animal Park. My heart aches with how much I miss her. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life.

Heather Tiedge

June 14, 2007

Darlene was a very special lady whose generosity of spirit was evident in all that she did. She will be missed.

Meerkat Volunteers Zoologcial Society of San Digeo

June 14, 2007

Your mom was always delightful, smiling and happy. She saw her glass as "half full" - she was truly a positive person. She believed that God would take care of her in life and after this life. It was a great pleasure to know her and be her friend.

Linda McDonough

June 14, 2007

To The Browns:
We share in your loss and have you all in our hearts. Darlene was a great lady. She left an imprint on everyone she met.

Jean-Marie & Jim Bellington

June 14, 2007

My dear friend, Darlene, will be deeply missed ...
As all the family knows 'WE' met on "OUR' birthdays over *45 years ago !
Our husbands, Bob & Tom, worked together at Douglas Aircraft, Long Beach, Calif.
One day they discovered 'WE' shared the same birthday ! So, they planned a dinner at the *Tally Ho restaurant, in North Lakewood .. the town we both lived in.
That night meeting Darlene was like we knew each other forever.. Plus another DOUBLE surprise ... WE learned that night, that 'THEY'... Bob & Tom *shared the same *birthday !!!
From that night on, year after year, the four of us shared our birthdays, in April & November, plus many inbetween adventures with happy pleasures !
After our loss with Bob's passing, Darlene & I turned to Disneyland, it was like our second home for the next six years.
It was around '1997', Tom & I moved to Yucca Vly., Calif.- and Darlene had already moved to La Costa ... our visits from afar were mostly thru E-mail and phone calls.
Yearly we met in Palm Springs for her new love for the 'Jazz Festivals.'
Now and then I spent a week at her home enjoying walks and fun times.

With all my many photos and lasting memories, Darlene's happy spirit will always remain in my heart !

Showers of love to all the 'Brown Families,' and her many friends, some, I also shared with her.

Beth & Tom Smith
and Our Families.

Beth & Tom Smith

June 14, 2007

From the first time I met Darlene back in junior high she greeted me with warmth and smiles and when our paths crossed over the years it was like 8th grade all over again. She was a special lady. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Jo and Ken

Joanne Fletcher

June 14, 2007

Darlene was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She had many friends. We were e-mail buddies and I looked forward to her e-mails almost daily. She was an animal lover and we exchanged many precious photos of animals and children. Darlene also loved music. When she would come to see us at the Quails in San Marcos, she would always ask Gil to play "Quiet Village" Darlene will be missed by everyone. Our hearts go out to her children, grand children and everyone who loved her. She was a very special person. We were fortunate to have spent 7 days with her on a Mexican Rivera Cruise in Oct. 2006. Her photos are posted here.

Beverly Palacios

June 13, 2007

June 13, 2007

June 13, 2007

June 13, 2007

Although Darlene and I weren't close friends we have known each other for almost 6 years through our attendance at many Trad Jazz events. We always chatted whenever we met and recently while at the Ocean House in Carlsbad to hear the Red Pepper Jazz Band, she joined me at my table and we had a really nice chat during the break. A few weeks later at the San Diego Jazz Society monthly Sunday dance, she again joined me at the break time for a bit of a visit. She said, "I so enjoyed talking to you the other day--it was really special!" You know how many times we think something nice about someone and do not say it out loud???? Well, Darlene said it and it was a very special gift to me. I will always remember her as a gentle and giving person and know that she will be missed by many.

Geri Greer

June 13, 2007

Rick,
I am very sorry about your Mom, I have never met her, but it looks and sounds as though she still had a lot of life left in her.

Sincerely
Kevin Barnard

Kevin Barnard

June 13, 2007

To The Brown Family;
We send our deepest sympathy & condolences to all of you.
Your in our hearts & thoughts.
Love,The Dilley's
Karen , Paul , Ryan, & Erin

Karen Dilley

June 12, 2007

Although we knew Darlene briefly, she touched our lives and the lives of our dogs, Casey and Chloe in a way we will never forget. We were all touched by an angel.
Love, The Tieger Family

Judee Tieger

June 12, 2007

I didn't have the privilege to know Darlene for very long. Such a gracious, refined lady...that was my inpression. I do miss here.

John Telles

June 12, 2007

My Auntie Darlene, that is what I always called her from the time I was about 5 yrs old. She was the only Auntie that my sister's and I knew. She was a very special lady and I am going to miss her dearly.

Jo Kay Martinez

June 12, 2007

Darlene was my sister in law and a wonderful example of selfless devotion to family for me as a young bride. Darlene's boys were her life, her joy and I believe she will continue to watch over them, nudging them closer together over time.

Judith Hutter

June 12, 2007

I always wondered where Rick got his sense of Humor... Until I met his Mom.

Timothy Barrett

June 12, 2007

Darlene was a regular in my Monday workout at the Y....lovely, funny, a delight to see each week. Since she left class I kept up to date on her doings through Mary...I'll miss her, and offer my condolences to her many loved ones.
Dinah Stokes

Dinah Stokes

June 11, 2007

Praying that you'll sense God’s presence in this time of grief.
God surrounds you with love, cares for you, and wipes each tear.
Our sincere condolences.
Roger and Jeanean (Rogers) Beamer

Jeanean & Roger Beamer

June 11, 2007

I love you, Nana. You are deeply missed. No words can express how proud we are to be your grandaughters.

Jennifer & Allie Brown

June 11, 2007

One of my fondest memories is that of sitting next to Darlene and Jane in church, trying not to giggle or pass notes to them and harmonizing as best I could! Then, we would go to Islands Restaurant and have delicious hamburgers and make our own lemonade, as they taught me to do!
Darlene is as loved by my cats and dog as by me. They are all sitting right here with me, wanting to show their love, as well! When I was looking for a home to buy just east of Durango, Colorado, and then when I wanted to go see the home I was having built here, Darlene would watch my cats, so that I could feel free to leave. Her gentleness and sweetness made every living being feel comfortable in her presence!
I send my love to her family and friends, who will miss her as much as I have since I left Lake San Marcos, CA. I had looked forward to Darlene visiting me in my new home. Perhaps she is the beautiful butterfly who dipped and sailed in the air around me today as I walked through my trees!
What a classey, intelligent, interesting, sophisticated, loving woman!! I often told her these things and she would modestly say thank you...which was also a nice aspect of her presence. She was always outward looking, taking care of others, instead of looking inward and thinking only of herself!
I love you, Darlene, and have cherished our friendship throughout these past years!!

Cherry Miloe

June 11, 2007

We love you guys and are proud to have known Darlene and what a great mom/grandmother she was. We are here for you.

Ellen Tallman

June 11, 2007

Our love goes out to you all. She had such a special place in your hearts and will be missed by all.

The Ernst Family

June 11, 2007

Darlene was a beautiful lady with a generous, loving and compassionate soul. Her warmth and kindness will be remembered by all who mourn her loss. God bless you, Darlene.

Bob & Mary Solsbak

June 11, 2007

Darlene was the best! Always looked like a million bucks even when she went out to the grocery store! She was beautiful, smart, involved, loving, compassionate and so many loved her right back.
Moreover all of the above, I remember Darlene as being such a wonderful lady and I always smiled when I had the occasion to meet her or heard stories about how she took care of her grandchildren.
Her abounding energy, love, care, compassion, spirit and zest for life will be sadly missed, yet forever remembered in our hearts and memories. We can always think back and remember and hang onto what ever we want.

I'm confident she's got giant beautiful angel wings and is in the Angel Academy getting ready to solo her new Heavenly manuvers, but it takes a bit of practice. And if you BELIEVE, all you have to do is close your eyes and she'll be right there.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Brown Family. May the Good Lord give you all the strength and courage to get through the many "first things without Darlene." Just reach for her and she'll be there. Always.

Charles MacArthur

June 11, 2007

Darlene was like the sister I never had for many years. We were
traveling companions to places I would never have gone without her experience. She has given me courage in a lot of ways and I hope
I helped her through many challenges. She was always very generous and gave so much of herself to others. Part of me is so empty but I know we must remember all the good and crazy times together and let her go
to her better place. Blessings to
all who loved her as I did.
Bette Rae Brown (even had the same last name)

Bette Rae Brown

June 11, 2007

Our love and sympathy to you all. We will remember your Mom's cheery smile and zest for life.

Jay & Janet Westly

June 11, 2007

Mrs. Brown was a very special lady; kind compassionate and loving to everyone she met.
She treated me like a son and welcomed me into her family, and made you feel special. Even though I didn’t spend much time with her in her later years, I will always have the fondest memories of her graceful and sweet spirit. I send prayers to the families and friends who love her, as I did too. God Bless.

Ron Hust

June 11, 2007

With sympathy my prayers are with family and friends.

Jenny Schmidt

June 11, 2007

Please accept our deepest condolences.

Mathew & Emily Longiaru

June 10, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Wanda Pugh

June 10, 2007

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