05/05/2021
It’s going on 8 weeks since we lost our beloved Darlene.
She is missed and she is mourned but her spirit is with us, warms our souls and lights our lives.
We have taken this time to grieve and recharge since losing our sweet lil’ nugget, Darlene. Today I, as Darlene’s daughter, caregiver and co-founder of Darlene’s Dolls, wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your condolences, prayers and support.
As many of you know, in lieu of flowers at mom’s services, we requested donations to Darlene’s Dolls in honor of mom. Your generosity is leading us to being able to spread comfort to at least an additional 8 people battling the cruelty of dementia with therapeutic dolls, weighted lap blankets and a realistic companion pet kitty. If you would still like to donate, please Direct Message Darlene’s Dolls and we will coordinate directly with you.
For those of you who didn’t have the honor to know and be loved by mom, there is no better way to get to know her than through the words of those who loved her and some photos throughout the years and with her cherished ‘Baby’ doll.
Thanks again to you all and with much love,
Jennifer Alexander
Greg Alexander, son:
Early today my mom won her battle with Alzheimer's and is healed and whole again. I choose won over succumbed to as she is no longer a prisoner to that dreadful disease.
Darlene Schoenbrun never met a stranger, you just instantly became part of her extended family.
She believed that if you didn't have anything nice to say about someone you didn't say anything... until they left the room LOL!
She had manners and grace and a mouth to make a sailor blush.
She never missed a party and was often the life of the party.
I choose to remember her as pictured below, dancing with Chubby Checker, embracing life, and having a blast.
She left this earth surrounded by love and was no doubt greeted with love by those who preceded her and greeted her.
Sarah Alexander , grand-daughter:
My beautiful Granny Lucious went home to the heavens above early this morning. As many of my friends know she battled with Alzheimer’s for almost 8 years, but now she is free, with my Papa again, and reunited with her mind that she had lost.
She was a woman of love, grace, compassion, understanding, faith, and had the mouth of a sailor to tie everything together so perfectly.
I would not be the woman I am today without the path my Granny paved for me. I will miss her everyday, but she left this earth surrounded by those who she loved most. I love you a bushel and a peck, forever and always.
Beth Schoenbrun Toups, step-daughter:
After a very long (9yr) Alzheimer's good-bye, my beautiful step-Mom Darlene left this earth to join Daddy in Heaven. She was such a blessing to our family. Darlene loved my Daddy, took us on as her own, and fawned over our children every bit as much as her biological grandchildren. Darlene loved! Be it life, a good time, food, or people. She gave the best hugs & knew when to hold on that extra little bit 'cause you needed it. She gave out praise, told ya when she really didn't like something, and nudged you in whatever direction she thought best. The door was never locked, she always had food to share, and never balked when we would drop in from out of town unexpectedly. She has been missed for awhile due to Alzheimer's, and now we formally celebrate the life she lived here on earth. Due to COVID restrictions, we are unable to open the services to the public, as would have been Darlene's style. In lieu of flowers, please continue her legacy of love through Darlene's-Dolls on Facebook through the following link. Jennifer works with several agencies to place Dolls & Fidget blankets with Alzheimer's patients in a variety of care settings. Please keep us all in your prayers.
