A celebration of life for Darlene Kay Anderson Tomlinson, 710 Glenview Drive, Albert Lea, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home. Dean Spies, president, and David Stewart, director; both of Glorybound Christian Ministries, will officiate.

She died on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at her home after a courageous 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer, stage 4.  Darlene donated her body to Mayo Clinic Health System for research. Inurnment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery at a later date.

Darlene was born May 29, 1950, to Waldomor (Wally) Anderson and Beverly Severtson Anderson in Albert Lea. She graduated from Lake Mills High School. She married Larry Winter in 1968 and they had two daughters, Teri Larson and Tammy Gaines. They were later divorced. Darlene worked as a utility clerk for 14 years for Wilson & Co., Seaboard, Cornbelt Meats, Farmstead and Farmland Foods. She also worked for five years for GNC and five years for Vitamin World. She also had been a home health aide for Morning Star for four years. Darlene loved gardening, walking her dogs, riding bike and spending time with her grandchildren.

Darlene is survived by her daughters, Teri (Gary) Larson and Tammy (Michael) Gaines, both of Glenville; mother, Beverly Estes of Northwood; sisters, Marilyn (Gene) Gentz of Forest City, Iowa, Bonnie (Richard) Brevig of Northwood, Nancy (Dennis) Sanoski of Little Falls and Kimberly Dietrich; and brothers, David Estes of Little Falls, Allen Estes of Northwood and Wally Anderson Jr. Darlene is also survived by four grandchildren, Ashley and Tyler Larson of Glenville and Cody and Kenna Gaines of Glenville; uncle and aunt Ross and Ruth Ann Severtson of Glenville and uncle Larry Severtson of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Darlene’s close friends who survive her are Pam Carlson, Becky Belcher, Pam Arneson, Judy Steens, Marie DeBoer, Ernie and Kathy Halvorson, Jeff Nielsen, Ren Cardona and Wayne and Seny Steven. These friends were a special treasure to her. Darlene also leaves behind her beloved pets Dorie, Mitzi, Chewy and Paris.

Preceding her in death was her father, Wally Anderson; a brother in infancy, Wally Anderson Jr.;  sister, Melanie Anderson; her beloved grandmother, Ruby Severtson; and grandfathers, Carl Severtson and Donald Anderson.

Darlene’s daughters wish to thank all Darlene’s family and friends for their care and a special thank you to Mindy Hartgers, CNP of Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester for her special care, concern and love during Darlene’s illness. Darlene’s sister Nancy took special care of her during the last seven weeks of her life. Darlene cherished visits and calls from her sister, Bonnie, also.

“You’re special because your life is God’s love letter to the world.”