Darlene – a mother, grandmother, sister, godmother, aunt, cousin and friend.  She was born on August 27, 1938 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. The second born child to Larry and Rose Reiter and a welcomed sister for her older brother Gordon. At the time the family was living in Lake Lenore.

A few years after her arrival, her family moved to Welland, Ontario, where Larry was hired at a John Deere factory.  While living there, they welcome the arrival of Diana, Darlene and Gordon’s sister to the family. It was during this time, Larry became homesick and decided to move the family back to Saskatchewan.  When they returned, Larry and Rose managed a store and their children attended a country school. Eventually the family settled in Lake Lenore and this was where Darlene completed her schooling.

As a child, Darlene excelled at English in school which lead to her lifelong love for literature.  Reading was one of her favourite pastimes.  She also enjoyed playing softball in her early years and would reminisce about the excitement she felt when she earned her team a point. Friends and socializing were very important to her as she spent many weekends at community dances.

At the age of 19, she met her future husband, Peter Garchinski.  Shortly after one month of courting, Peter proposed to her.  She was over the moon with her new found love.  They were married on August 31, 1958.  During the early years of their marriage, Peter’s career as a teacher, took them to many different towns and cities. This was no feat for Darlene, as she was always able to find employment at the local banks. Within a few years Darlene and Peter completed their family with two girls, Shelley was born in 1964 and Melanie was born in 1968.

Through her adult years, Darlene developed a love for fishing, camping and southern trips to Arizona during the cold Saskatchewan winters.  She also spent countless hours entertaining her grandchildren. Lastly, Darlene loved her faith.  She was an active member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish and the Catholic Women’s League.

Darlene is predeceased by her husband: Peter Garchinski; parents: Larry and Rose Reiter (Zenner); brother: Gordon Reiter, mother and father-in-law: Joseph and Elsie Garchinski; brothers-in-law: Robert Garchinski, Adam Garchinski and sister-in-law: Stella Garchinski.

She is survived by her sister Diana Garchinski (Reiter); her daughters: Shelley (Trent) Zwingli and Melanie (Michael) Chan; grandchildren: Brennon (Rob) Zwingli, Branelle (Jordan) Zenuk, Daelin (Taylor) Nordwick Chan, Dyson Nordwick Chan and Jasmine Chan; brothers-in-law: Frank, Victor (Molly), Walter (Jean) and Adolf (Darlene); sisters-in-law: Annette (Eugene), Sonja; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Mass was held from Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church, Melfort, on Thursday, August 5, 2021.  The interment followed in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to the Melfort Public Library, Melfort CWL, or Neuromodulation Clinics at Regina General Hospital, or Royal University Hospital.

To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306)752-3838.

 

• Date : 2021-07-07
• Location : Melfort, SK