L. Darlene Forsyth

Darlene passed away proudly at home in Upper LaHave on Friday, May 6, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Darlene was a devoted mother and wife who cherished family and friends.

Born in Halifax, Darlene grew up in Bedford and attended CPA high school. She was a talented and decorated athlete in her youth. She graduated with a BSC in Physical Education from Acadia University where she was a Deans List student and varsity athlete. She was very proud of her 1985 Canada Games Silver Medal for field hockey. As an ageing adult she continued to enjoy soccer and became obsessed by pickleball. Enjoying the social as much as the competition. She truly loved to play.

As a young teacher she was affectionately known as “Miss B” by her students at Bridgewater High School where she taught Phys. Ed., Health and Math for 12 years. She transferred to Centre Consolidated School to teach Elementary Phys. Ed. for 6 years before joining the staff of Bayview Community School, teaching math, health and family studies. Darlene was a dedicated teacher who demonstrated tremendous compassion.

Over the years Darlene coached soccer, basketball and track and field but her favourite was badminton. Drop, drop, clear, clear; all of her athletes knew the drill. Whether coaching high school, junior high or club she was always competitive but never lost sight of the fun in the game.

Darlene loved to do many things. When she was unable to teach she learned ukulele and pickleball. She loved needlework, making gifts for friends and family but worried that projects would go unfinished. She loved having many mouths to feed in her home, you would never leave her house hungry. She could always hold her own in any game of cards and, although she denied it, hated to lose at anything. She cherished the moments her home was full of family and friends and treasured spending time and sharing laughs with others.

She will be missed by her husband, Fred, and children James, Samantha (Justin Turner), Abby and faithful dog Maggie. She was a daughter to George and Irene Bullen of Bedford and is survived by her siblings: Edith Hippern (Dennis), George Bullen (Susan), Sandra Brothers (Wayne), Brenda MacDonald (John), Ron Bullen (Barb) and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held 7 - 9pm, Tuesday, May 10 at Mahone Funeral Home, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay. A “Celebration of Life” will be held 2pm, Wednesday, May 11 at St. John’s Anglican Church, 81 Cumberland St., Lunenburg, Rev. Alvin Westgate officiating.

Family flowers only please. The family requests memorial donations be made to Canadian Cancer Society or KidSport Nova Scotia.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 Tel. 902-624-8241. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca