AUGUSTA — Darlene L. Pease, 58, recently of Topsham, died peacefully Oct. 22, 2015, surrounded by family, following a long, hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born in Camden on June 27, 1957, she was the daughter of Melvin and Erminie Wadsworth. Darlene grew up in Appleton, and was educated locally. She was a 1975 graduate of Camden-Rockport High School.

Following high school and later the birth of her daughters, Darlene spent her days as a stay-at-home mom. She devoted her time to caring for her girls, always attentive to their every need. Later Darlene went to work at the Appleton Village School, where she enjoyed employment for 10 years, most recently as an education technician. She had a great love of children and took joy in working with them on a daily basis.

Following her time at AVS, Darlene moved on to work for L.L. Bean. For more than 15 years she worked in the customer returns department, where she made many lasting friendships. True to her caring spirit, she was also a leader for the "Good Heart" first aid crew for employees. Darlene was known for her smile and friendly nature, always putting others first. Spending time with her family and grandchildren was her number one priority. She loved playing games, especially early morning checkers with Adam, and Barbies with Katelynn. Darlene was also always up for a shopping trip with her youngest daughter.

She loved being outdoors. Whether kayaking, hiking, fishing, spending time at the ocean or walking in the woods, she found solace there. Taking her camper for a Down East camping trip was another favorite pastime. No matter where she was, her side kick and four-legged companion, Maggie Mae, was never far away. She had a special place in her heart for all animals, but especially loved watching Pitbulls and Parolees," a show based on the work at Villalobos Rescue Center. It was a cause she truly believed in and supported.

Darlene will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her mother, Erminie (Hickman) Wadsworth; Darlene is survived by her father, Melvin Wadsworth of Searsmont; her daughters, April Berry and her husband, Shawn, of Warren, and Angela Pease and Matt Johnson of Topsham; her siblings, Dana Wadsworth and his wife, Kathy, of Searsmont, Karen Lane and her husband, Richard, of Rockport, David Wadsworth and his wife, Edna-Mae, of Montana, Pam Prior and her husband, Dwayne, of Cushing, Vicki Wadsworth of Auburn, and Andrea Lucas and her husband, Leon, of South Carolina; two grandchildren, Adam and Katelynn Berry, both of Warren; her granddogs, Faith and Tehya, who spent every day at her side; the father of her children, Dennis Pease of Appleton; many nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at West Rockport Baptist Church, 545 Park St. in West Rockport. The Rev. David English will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Villalobos Rescue Center, 4525 North Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117 or at vrcpitbull.net.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.