Darlene
Clabaugh
Obituary
Darlene Clabaugh,73, passed away at Parkview Regional Medical Center on December 27, 2023. She was born on November 2, 1950. She was the daughter of Donald and Margaret (McLaughlin) Clabaugh. She was step-daughter to Marcella (Zerns) Clabaugh. All preceded her in death.
Darlene was a lifetime member of St. Henry’s Catholic Parish. She graduated from St. Henry’s Grade School and Bishop Luers High School. Darlene graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ft. Wayne. She worked many years at Parkview Randallia in the NICU and loved working with the babies and teaching parents how to care for their preemies. Darlene fostered about 50 children and was named Indiana Foster Parent of the Year by the Indiana Foster Care and Adoption Association in 2003. As a licensed foster parent, she was occasionally sent home with a baby from the NICU for short term care that would sometimes turn into the long term. A few times it lasted 4 to 5 years. She loved every minute of it.
Darlene took piano lessons, became a church organist in eighth grade, and played for her parish masses into adulthood and weddings in several different churches. She was an accompanist for Northern Indiana School Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Association (NISBOVA).
She loved to attend Neil Diamond and Beach Boy concerts.
Darlene was an avid photographer. She was asked to be the wedding photographer for family, friends and many others. When her brothers Denny and Larry played hockey she recorded their games, provided transportation, and enjoyed their games.
She developed a love for the Ft. Wayne Komets at a young age when she attended games with her father. Then, she bought season tickets as soon as she had a full-time job. She attended almost every home game and helped organize some bus trips for away games when she was a member of the Komet Fan Club. Darlene was an officer in the club. She attended her last game on December 17, 2023 and listened to Shane’s broadcasts on December 21, 22, and 23.
Darlene bowled on a league with her Mother and later on a Parkview league. She enjoyed swimming, going on cruises with her friend, Val Morel, and road trips that included three trips to California with her sister Connie, to visit with family there. She photographed many sights including a sunset at a prime site in the Grand Canyon. Many trips included another hobby, camping. Some of her trips included foster children. Other trips included her good friends Jane and Peggy and their children. Many trips involved lots of shopping, which was one of her favorite pastimes.
Darlene loved to drive. She owned several vans over her lifetime. That way, she could have room for family, friends, and all those little car seats for her foster children. She was devoted to family and enjoyed family time and babysat often for nieces and nephews.
When her brother Larry needed a kidney, she didn’t hesitate to donate hers. This showed how generous and loving she was; her last words were that she didn’t regret it and wouldn’t have changed a thing.
She is survived by sisters Connie Clabaugh and Mary (Ron) Schoenle, brother Denny (Tonia) Clabaugh of Columbia, MO, sister-in-law Lucy Clabaugh, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and foster children. She was preceded in death by her brother Larry Clabaugh.
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I knew Darlene from Komets hockey and 4th of July parties at Rick and Amy Rider’s. Darlene was such a kind and caring person with such a big heart. May she rest in peace in the arms of God. My deepest sympathy to her family at this time of loss. May their many fond and happy memories bring them comfort.
I will always treasure our days together at St. Henry’s and BLHS, as well as the many times playing in our yards and great basements, and going bowling with our moms! We sure had fun!!! Darlene was a kind and loyal friend with a sweet disposition and caring manner.
My sincere sympathies to the family.
Gail Beery Hobrock
Darlene was a wonderful woman. My mother Donna Richard, Darlene, and Connie fostered a little boy named Tyler together. I remember that little boy as a brother and I am look back at those memories with a lot of fondness. Darlene was an angel on earth for her dedication to being a foster parent. May she rest with God.
Darlene played the piano at my wedding in 1976 We went to Saint Henry’s school together and Bishop Luers high school She was such a kind and loving person Her care for foster children was one of her passions she shared with me at our 50th class reunion She was a special lady
Darlene will remain in our hearts forever
My sincere sympathy to all, family, previous co-workers, and friends alike. What a special caring person and trusted and respected lady she was. I was privileged to have her photogragh my wedding in 2000 and worked with her for 26 years in the NICU at Parkview.
I was privileged to work in the NICU with Darlene for 26 years prior to my retirement from Parkview in 2002. She was an admired and skilled caregiver of babies, their families and co-workers alike. Darlene took my wedding photographs when I married in 2000. Sending you all my sincere sympathy. I was “indeed” blessed to know and “love” Darlene. May God comfort you in your loss. Sincerely, Reta Borchelt
Every time I get a Cobb Salad from Hall’s take out, I remember Darlene.
She would bring those utensils wrapped in plastic to a potluck or other department celebration at Parkview Randallia.
Darlene did not normally work in my department but she was the best of work friends.
I am so sorry to learn that she has passed.
Her Faith was always so strong and she indeed served the Lord.
It is far better to forget and to laugh than to remember and be sad.
Heavenly Peace, Darlene.
You earned it.
With Love and Prayers
I grew up with Darlene. Our parents were great friends. First on Lillie St. then in their beautiful brick home.I remember the great times in their large basement playing. She was a wonderful person. Truly a saint in heaven.
Darlene, Such a special happy person to be around and such an infectious laugh. RIP friend and may God wrap his arms around family and give them strength at this time of loss.
Go Komets 🏒
I so enjoyed listening to her play the organ at Mass!
I knew Darlene many years ago from St. Henry’s. I was a part time organist there with her. What a kind and caring individual. May God grant her eternal rest.
Such a special person- I knew her from hockey and she cared for my nephew in the NICU. May she rest in peace and may God give her family strength at this time of loss.
Darlene was a nice gal, smart and always wanted to learn things, she was the step-daughter to the late; Marcella (Zerns) Clabaugh, from Garrett, IN. RIP Darlene.