WASHINGTON — Darlene Sharon Hale (Orff) passed away peacefully into the presence of Jesus at her home, Thursday, August 6, 2026. Darlene was a woman of great faith and while she was not anxious to leave her remaining family on earth, she was ready to be reunited with so many awaiting her homecoming into Heaven. 

Darlene was born June 2, 1945 in Rockland, Maine to her parents Ruel and Edith (White) Orff. She was the youngest of twelve and often described as the center who brought everyone else together. Darlene graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1963. While in school she was a varsity basketball player, having made the varsity team in eighth grade.

After her personal relationship with the Lord her priority was always family. Darlene married the love of her life Thomas (Tom) September 4, 1975. They had many adventures together, traveling together and fulfilling their dream of building a log home deep in the woods. They consistently enjoyed sleepovers and adventures with their grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

Darlene retired from the State of Maine where she worked as a systems specialist. Her main location was that of maintaining systems for the Maine State Prison locations including the new prison with state-of-the-art system driven technology.

Darlene remained the center that united people; family and community. She was a strong and courageous woman who demonstrated her faith and her resilience through her life. She led her family through many recent losses in their family; reminding us all to show up for one another, be intentional to create opportunities to make memories together and always tell each other you love them.

Darlene had many hobbies. She as extremely musical, her first instrument as a child was the family accordion. She had a beautiful voice and made many memories singing with her guitar. She was also an amazing cook and enjoyed challenging herself to learn new methods and testing to master international cuisines. She loved traditions, many including her passion in the kitchen. Preserving and canning from every season of fruits and vegetables. Annually she made homemade chocolates with her daughters and grandkids. There were always multiple days of Christmas baking; from cookies to fruit cake, she did it. Darlene became a beekeeper and enjoyed that for many years. She was an avid gardener and her extensive gardens at their log home and the home built upon retirement are evidence to that passion.

Darlene was a member of the Orff’s Corner Community Church. In addition to her service at church where she organized the “kitchen crew” she and Tom volunteered at the St. Bernard’s Soup Kitchen ministry for years. She had a heart for helping others, she was always the first on scene for any family or loved one’s emergencies or time of need. Darlene continued to honor Tom’s passion as a faithful supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, husband, two daughters, one granddaughter, two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.

Her survivors include her children Vanessa (Miguel) Betancourt; son-in-law, Steve Ausplund; Dan (Jyma) Hale; Ann (Chuck) Heitler. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved deeply and created lifelong memories with. Darlene is survived by her sisters: Rayetta Flint, Pat Cross and Judy Westman, and a large extended family and many dear friends. Though she loved her family so well, her first love was always Jesus.

Darlene left a beautiful legacy for her family to live into. In the days and hours gathered at her bedside during her journey to Heaven, it was a visual of what she lived her life to create for her family.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Gardiner Church of the Nazarene, 6 Nazarene Way, Gardiner, Maine. According to her wishes, there is private family committal service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in Darlene’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.