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.