DAUPHINEE

It is with deep sadness the family of Darlene Dorothy Dauphinee, 86, of Lunenburg announce her peaceful passing on July 19, 2025 at South Shore Regional.

She was the daughter of the late Herman and Marjorie (Rafuse) Leopold, New Ross.

Our precious “Dee” or “Daryl” as she is known to friends and family spent her childhood years on the Mill Road attending the one room schoolhouse and was often selected by the teacher to assist the younger students with their lessons. Soon after she found her dream job at Maritime T & T as a Telephone Operator moving to Bridgewater then Lunenburg. It was in Lunenburg where she met Billy and got engaged. They were married in New Ross June 30, 1956. She then later worked night shifts at National Sea as to not miss time with the children. She was a key component of the Dauphinee Christmas Tree lot annually. She was magical with her hands later working from home as a wonderful seamstress designing and making dresses and other clothing for her family and many in the community. Dee enjoyed knitting and smocking amazing pieces including her famous Christmas ornaments. Those fortunate to receive one of her beautiful lopi wool sweaters “in the day” wore them proudly with love.

Dee enjoyed the simple things in life, a good rummoli or card game especially 45s, phone chats and visits, shopping trips to Frenchys, watching American Idol (and predicting the winner with great accuracy), drives to the beach, dinner at 2 Chef’s or Pizza Delight with her grandson and she looked forward to the weekly lexicon challenge with her Mom and later her sister. She was a phenomenal cook and baker of many breads and desserts including her amazing chocolate cake with boiled icing. Dee loved dogs, lived for skating and curling in her earlier years then on TV. She was a Master of the game and would discuss key strategies and shot selections with family. Her loving Lunenburg Home of 66 years they built together was where she wanted to be most. It was her pride and joy.

Active within her community she was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church, the Anglican Church Women with a focus on the “Economy Nook” store and the decoration and cleaning of the church. She also was a devoted Sunday School teacher and volunteered with the Brownies and Girl Guides of Canada. She and Billy were very supportive of the young people in the community. Their home and camp were always open and they made wonderful memories of their full SUV of students travelling back to classes at Acadia University.

An incredible Mom, Nanny, Sister and dedicated friend, to us she was the glue with the answers and advice, constantly giving her “all” for her family. Dee was our role model for hard work, helping and putting others first, sharing, honesty and always emphasized Be Kind! Dee instilled in her family many Biblical principles including Living by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). Family was all important to her and she placed no emphasis on monetary wealth however we marvel at her incredible ability to stretch things during tougher times to cover our needs, we kids thought we were rich! She and her Billy made a strong team overcoming many obstacles including health issues with great resilience. She wanted the best for all and would help in any way to ensure this goal.

She is survived by daughters, Annette (Roy) Dauphinee-Tree, New Glasgow, Marilyn (Eric) Dauphinee-Allen, New Minas; son, Tim (Shelley), Halifax; grandchildren, Jacquie, Jeri-Lee, Cheri, Craig, Terry, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Justin, Keenan, Daniel, Riley, Zachary, Dawsyn, Hayden and Evelyn; sisters, Madge Walker, Mahone Bay, Eleanor White, Amherst and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, William “Billy”, brother Al, infant brother Garnet, and nieces Marion and Karen.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy 3, Lunenburg and from where a Celebration of Life will be held on August 1, 2025, at 2 pm, with a reception to follow. A private family Service of Thanksgiving will be held prior to the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, South Shore Regional Hospital, IWK, The Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A special thank you to Dr. Chaisson and the Team at South Shore Regional Hospital, Dr. Thibodeau, Dr. Robertson, the Home Care Team, special care givers Susan, Pam, Debbie and Holly and all those who contributed to Dee’s care. We are greatly appreciative; she loved you and your kindness will not be forgotten.