Darlene passed away in her wheelchair, while napping at the table with her newspaper on July 23 at the age of 91. She was the last surviving child of Thomas and Katie Mortimer Hughes. She was born in Salt Lake City, the 6th of 8 children. Twila Hughes is her last surviving sister-in-law. She leaves behind her husband of 71 years, Byron David Jensen and 6 children; Jan (Neil Budge), Mark (Mary), Darrel (Tami), Vern (KayLynn), Robert (Sheri), and Carl (Judy). She is also survived by 26 of 27 grandchildren, along with their spouses, and 72 great-grandchildren. Also dear to her were her many nieces, nephews and “adopted” nieces and nephews. She had a huge heart and always wanted to champion the underdog. She was a BIG BYU fan and loved the Jazz.
Darlene was raised in Salt Lake. She and Byron raised their family in Orem, Utah. She worked as a florist as a child and off and on throughout her life. She worked as a librarian for Orem City for 15 years and told thousands of stories at “Story Time.” She served for over 30 years as a Primary Chorister without knowing how to read music. She was a voracious reader and read 2 novels and finished at least one jigsaw puzzle with Byron in her last week. She loved God and knew he loved her.
In December 2015 she suffered a fall and a dislocated shoulder. She moved to Legacy Assisted Living in Provo. These last few years have not been easy but she has struggled through without much complaining, doing the best she could. Two years ago she left her friends at Legacy to join Byron after they sold the family home. They have since lived at Lehi Covington Assisted Living. She said she would rather be with him than anyone. She survived breast cancer, a heart attack, the death of her first grandchild, and the struggles of her children and grandchildren. Her last words to her daughter this week were “Go, have fun, I’m OK, I will be fine.” That, she would say to all of us!
Family has opted to do a private viewing and graveside service.
Derrell Im sorry about the loss of your mother.
My dear sweet mother in law. Thank you for always treating me with love and kindness. You hold a special place in my heart. To the family may you be surrounded with peace and comfort at this time. She was a great example to us all. Let's all have a Hershey's bar in her memory!
What A wonderful lady. Loved being babysit in her home growing up. I remember the one time walking to her home after school some kids though me in a ant bed. How gentle she took care of me. I have enjoy seeing her husband as he came into Lowe's hardware store in Orem. I had held all of her family close in my heart. Heaven for sure got another angel. Her loved ones are in my Prayers. Love to all.
It was her smile that did it for me. Valerie and I worked with Darlene at Orem Public Library for many of those 15 years. She was working there when I was hired, and I always thought she was much younger, because of that smile, and the energy she radiated. It came as a shock to me when she retired, but she had other work to do. I missed visiting her over the years, and am glad to know she was reading when she died.
My condolences for the passing of your wonderful mother, wife, and grandmother. She was a faithful and dependable member of the Third Ward during my time as a bishop there. She was always positive in her outlook on life and met her significant challenges with courage and faith. I'm sure she has merited the welcome of the Lord" "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." May the Lord bless and comfort you all with the hope and faith through Jesus Christ, that you will be together again.
Val Buxton
So full of energy and light, Darlene will always hold a special place in heart and memory. I"m still working at the Orem library and sometimes I'll think about the fun times we had the story times we shared and the books we talked about. Each Christmas I can hear Darlene tell me how much she loved,' They Birds' Christmas Carol'... I still drive past the old homestead and think of Darrell and his mom and dad and I've been known to wave and say, "Hi, Darlene!" even today. Darlene's book of life has been full of adventures and as she begins this new chapter my thoughts and prayers of comfort go out to her wonderful family.
So sorry to hear about Aunt Darlene's passing. Will miss her, and have missed her very much. Take care everyone and thank you for letting me know. She is one of the most special persons I have ever known.
I love Darlene! Always a smile on her face. I enjoyed her telling of a "Bird's Christmas Carol" when I was young. A light that will be missed! Condolences to all the family.
Darlene was my first loved mother in law. We were friends and coworkers in primary before I met Vern. She provided the beautiful floral arrangements for our wedding that we put together within 2 days. She was also great at fishing. My mother Dorothy and I considered her an angel and I'm sure She is crowned in heaven. Out of pain and worry and sadness and I love her still. She provided the beautiful family.
Darlene was one of the main reasons I loved primary and music as a child. She was the chorister and made it both fun and spiritual. I always wanted to be like her and made my own music stand out of a Christmas paper roll and shoe box sides for the top and bottom. My sister and I spent hours and hours pretending to be a primary chorister. She was so kind and caring. She was a special lady and will be missed.
Darleen was truly one of those angels who quietly walk among us, serving and loving those around her. I can’t count the number of times I saw her taking meals, providing transportation, and visiting the sick and lonely in our neighborhood. I will miss you, my friend. -Love, Judy Tichy
