It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Darnell. Darnell passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024 at the age of 74 in Escanaba, Michigan with her sisters Louise and Rose Ann by her side.
Daughter of the late Johnny (Bayview Tiger) and the late Matilda Sawchyn (Zuppa). Our sister will be greatly missed by Phillip Sawchyn (Helmi), Norman Sawchyn (Susan), David Sawchyn, Marie Rathbone (Rodney), Louise Nichols (Greg), Rose Ann Turyk (late Steve), late Michael Sawchyn (Venie), late Nicholas Sawchyn and the late Patrick Sawchyn. A loving and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews. Darnell will be missed by her special longtime friends Bruce and Marti (Allegrino) Inman of Munising, Michigan.
At Darnell’s request there will not be a funeral service.
A special thank you to the nursing staff at Christian Park Village Nursing Home & Hospice where Darnell received loving care. Darnell was a loving, caring person who would help anyone without hesitation. She always found the good in people and would genuinely give compliments and praise to others. A strong Christian faith helped her in her final days. As a young teenager she worked as a candy striper at the General Hospital helping nurses with patient care. She left Canada at the age of eighteen to live in the United States and became a dual citizen. Working as a health care worker for many years in Nursing Homes, she loved caring and doing whatever she could for her patients. Darnell was a very proud woman who was meticulous with her appearance and how she carried herself. Darnell loved Christmas and would always decorate the hallway in her apartment complex which she called “The Elf's Wing” each year. In a newspaper interview, she was quoted saying...
“I see the spirit of Christmas here, with neighbours helping neighbours. I like to create a winter wonderland."
As a passionate lover of dogs, she rescued many throughout her lifetime. She is now reunited with her beloved dog Trigger.
Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522). Memorial contributions (payable online or by cheque) to the Salvation Army or to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society would be appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.
A Loving Sister in Heaven
As the sun sets upon this life
And your body is laid to rest
I know you’ll be up in heaven
Because God only takes the best
I know you’re watching over us
And it takes away the pain
We will carry you in our hearts
Until we meet again
Our world is a little darker
Now that we are apart
But the memories are shining brightly
Within our broken hearts
You touched the lives of those you loved
And we wanted you to stay
But you were needed up in heaven
And God whispered “come this way”
We know whenever we are lonely
And our smile becomes a frown
We will look up to the sky above
And there will be an Angel looking down