Obituary of Janis Darlene Mahoney

MAHONEY: Janis Darlene Mahoney (née Murray) passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the age of 80 years. Darlene was born on December 22, 1937 in Brandon, MB to Neil and Mary "Molly" (née Gosse) Murray; the youngest of two children. In 1939, the Murray family moved to London, ON where Darlene spent her formative years. Darlene's father was District Supervisor of the Metropolitan Stores. This type of work had her father travelling constantly, often taking his family along. Darlene loved London and southern Ontario and often would reminisce about her childhood there. In 1949, the Murray family relocated to Brandon, MB. Darlene started her primary school education in London, ON. Upon relocating to Manitoba she attended Earl Oxford Junior High School and Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI). While attending BCI she attained Junior Matriculation status Grade 11. Following public school she graduated from the Wheat City Business College with honours. Darlene worked in various jobs. She worked at the Metropolitan Store, Gardener and Montgomery Insurance, Investors Syndicate, Brown Realty, Central Park Lodge and the Red Oak Inn. In 1956, Darlene met the love of her life Dan Mahoney, they married a year later, a marriage that lasted over 60 years until her passing. Dan and Darlene have a son David and a daughter Diane. As a domestic engineer, Darlene had no peer. She was a hardworking individual who kept a spotless home and worked tirelessly to manage family affairs. Her constant quest for perfection and to arrange and rearrange furniture is legend. Family members had to be careful, a bed you thought was in one spot in the morning likely had been moved by night. You sat down in the dark at your own peril. Darlene was an avid sewer. For many years she made most of her own dresses and clothes for the kids. She was very professional with a sewing machine and would run off window drapes and curtains, slip covers, pillows; you name it she could do it. The sewing morphed into upholstery. A self-taught upholsterer she took on sofas, chairs, etc. No job ever seemed too tough for her. Out of all of Darlene's talents, decorating was her forte. She was a natural at it. She had an eye for colour, the ability to put things together and to innovate was just uncanny. Friends and neighbours would often seek her advice and she would always oblige. It was just amazing how she could look at a bland and empty room and envision in her mind how it would all come together. Darlene was predeceased by her parents and brother Neil Jr. (Bud). Darlene is survived by her husband Dan; son David (Jan), daughter Diane (Peter) Logan; grandchildren: Erin, Kayla, Kerri and Krystin; great-grandchildren: Jadyn, Ethan, Scott, Sean, Hudson and Ella. Darlene Mahoney was a kind and gentle soul who always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed life one day at a time. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be sadly missed by those who knew her and loved her. May she rest in peace. A celebration of Darlene's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Monday, January 15, 2018. Donations in memory of Darlene may be made to a charity of choice.