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Woodlawn Funeral Home Obituaries

Darlene Correa , Age: 71
May 21, 1950 - April 21, 2022

M. Darlene Correa, age 71, of Lacey, Washington, went to be the Lord on April 21, 2022. Her

battle was short, but fiercely fought, and she earned her rest.

Darlene was born May 21, 1950 in New Madrid, Missouri, to Charlie and Mary Still. She was

the middle of 5 children, and was the last one of them to pass. She grew up along the banks of

the Mississippi River, singing along to Patsy and Loretta. She was raised on sweet tea and

Jesus, collecting fireflies and dreaming big. At age 14, she moved with her family to Long

Beach, California, where she fell in love with the Pacific, finished high school and eventually

became a Registered Nurse. As a young adult, she decided to move to Oahu, Hawaii, where

she continued her career as a Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Queen’s Medical Center. It

was there that she met her soulmate, Walter Correa Jr., a paramedic at the time. They had met

through mutual work friends, at a celebration on the beach, and the rest was history. She had

described their first encounter as “love at first sight”, that she knew he was the one from the

very beginning. They were married July 4, 1979 on a cliff along the Makapu’u Ridge, called

“Hang Gliders Perch”, under the Hawaiian sunshine and over the Pacific Ocean. She was the

love of his life. After they married, they moved to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island where they

raised 2 daughters.

She took her role as a mother very seriously, and being far away from her own family, managed

to figure things out on her own and do things her own unique way. She somehow wove her

midwest charm, and deep Kentucky roots into her new Hawaii life. Even when things were not

perfect, they were “fair to middlin.” Powdered sugar was sifted, fried chicken was served with

jelly, tea was sweet, and things were “wershed.” Miracle Whip was a must, and a little relish

went with everything.

She eventually moved to Washington State where both of her daughters had moved and were

raising families of their own. She would never describe herself as having a green thumb, but

was extremely proud of this garden of children and grandchildren she had created and

nurtured. Watching her grandchildren bloom was the highlight of her days.

She was the “Ramma” at every game, her grandkids’ biggest fan. She never missed the daily

text before school, or phone call after. At her house, they got to lick the spoon and have

midnight waffles. She let them play with her make up, and take out her curlers. She made sure

they had everything they needed, video games and chocolate milk included.

She was a very devoted baseball fan, rooted for a few of her favorite teams but always loyal to

her St. Louis Cardinals. She made the very best egg salad, chocolate gravy and biscuits, and

chocolate chip pancakes. She made things from scratch, and bought in bulk. If you couldn’t

find something on a store shelf, dollars to doughnuts you could find it in HER pantry. York

Peppermint Patties were her favorite and she always had a few in her purse to give away. She

had a love for hummingbirds, a good book, and complicated jigsaw puzzles. She always wrote

in cursive, and never forgot a birthday. She gave people her undivided attention, and just had a

way of making you feel important and heard. And welcome. Her departure felt abrupt, because

she was the type of person who liked to take her time. And she wanted you to take your time

too.

She always said that she had a special relationship with the Lord. As much as we love her, He

loves her even more. We know that she is with Him, that she feels no pain, and that she is

probably enjoying her sweet tea, a hot dog, and a ball game from the best seat in the house.

Although she left such a big hole in our hearts, she will be lovingly remembered and painfully

missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She is our angel in the outfield.

 

Darlene is preceded by her four siblings, and both parents. She is survived by her husband,

Walter Correa Jr.; daughter, Maile Mareko and her husband Tai; daughter, Andrea Vea and her

husband Tyson; 7 grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Scattering of Darlene’s ashes will be at a date to be determined. Her final resting place will

eventually be in the Pacific Ocean, where she first followed her heart, fell in love and raised her

family.

We love you Purple.

Condolences may be sent to: Correa Family 5800 Vermont Ave. SE Lacey, WA 98513

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