Darlene M. Fraser, 84, passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father surrounded by her loving children at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California on March 15, 2018

Darlene was born to Dagfin and Florence Holt in Sioux City, Iowa on October 6, 1933; the fourth of five children: Dagfin, Robert, Dolores and Beverly.

Darlene graduated from Santa Rosa High School, California in 1951. Shortly before she graduated, she met a young Air Force man, Richard H. Fraser, at a roller skating rink, the love of her life that she married on May 7, 1952; the beginning of their 65 year journey. Her love of travel began as a military spouse and the opportunity to travel with her husband included five children and a tent trailer in tow, as they toured Europe. Darlene's love of travel continued on with 26 cruises to various parts of the world, and so many trips across the United States with Richard to visit family and friends. It was so important for her to stay in touch with all her loved ones.

Darlene was so organized, never slowed down, and lived a very full and happy life. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Darlene's family was her world and she took advantage of every opportunity to gather them all around her.

Darlene retired on January 3, 1995 after 26 years with Civil Service. She was a long time member of NAFRE and the Lompoc Civic Theater, where she enjoyed performing on stage, sewing costumes, providing stage props and serving her baked goods during intermission. Darlene socialized in many circles, playing Bridge, Pinochle, Scrabble, Words with friends and also participated in Golden Girls. Over the years, she volunteered many hours of her time styling hair for the ladies at the Convalescent Care Center and caring for the cats at VIVA. She loved music, dancing, poetry, games and all the performing arts. She loved life!

Darlene leaves behind her four children: Jeanette and husband Lowell (Corky) Boyer, Barbara Burris, Brian Fraser, Sandra and husband David Pickles; three Grandchildren: Rachel and husband Jose Alvarez, Cassandra and husband Mathew Andresen, and Tyler Pickles; five Great Grandchildren: Diego, Tristan and Makaela Alvarez; and Lilliana and Erik Andresen. Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard; daughter Linda Fraser, son-in-law Roger Burris, her parents and brothers. She loved deeply and is deeply loved by all her children and family, and our hearts will forever feel her absence.

A visitation will be held at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from 5 – 7 pm. Services will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Starbuck-Lind Chapel on North A Street, with burial following at the Lompoc Cemetery. Thereafter, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge, 905 E. Ocean Ave, Lompoc.