Darlene R. Whalen

Darlene R. Whalen passed away at Newton-Wellesley Hospital on November 28th after a long battle of multiple health conditions. She was born on October 31, 1950 to the late Malcolm and Ruth (Maxim) Purser. Darlene was born in Vermont and lived in Foxborough, MA, Richmond, VA and most recently, Fort Myers, FL.  She was the Food and Beverage Manager for the Salvation Army in Southwest FL as well as the Head Chef for the Southwest FL Addiction Services.  She was instrumental in the lives of countless individuals afflicted with addiction, devoting her love, skills, time and resources to invest in their sobriety.  Darlene was a true shepherd to the weary.

Darlene volunteered her services to AA and various soup kitchens in disaster zones.  She enjoyed public speaking at fund raisers to bring awareness to the disease of addiction.  She found much joy feeding and helping those in need.  She was an avid reader and loved her local library card.  Darlene had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and learned a lot from her human connections.  She enjoyed needlework and sewing, dancing and pickling.  Most of all, she loved supporting her children emotionally and spiritually.

Darlene leaves behind her three sons; (Twins) William Whalen of Foxboro and Thomas Whalen of N. Attleboro and Peter Whalen II of Norwood.  She had ten grandchildren who will miss her dearly.  She was the proud sister of two Vietnam War Veterans; the late Malcolm (Rocky) Purser and Alan Purser, as well as brothers; Thomas and William Purser.

A Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held on Sunday, December 12th from 1:00PM – 3:00PM at the Southeast Funeral Home, 93 Center St., Easton, MA.  Burial will be private .In lieu of donations, the family welcomes flowers to be sent to the funeral home, 93 Center St. North Easton MA. To share a memory of Darlene or to write an online condolence, please visit our tribute page.

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