Darlene (Sandahl) Brandon

BRANDON, Darlene
April 1, 1938 – August 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Darlene Brandon on August 8, 2025, at the age of 87, in Calgary, Alberta. To us, she will always be remembered as Mom, Granny, Great-Granny, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend.

Darlene was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, where she lived for 84 of her 87 years. In November 2022, she moved to Calgary to be closer to more of her family. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2005, Darlene lived a full and meaningful life until her health began to decline in October 2024. Her final months were spent in the compassionate care of the staff at Southwood Care Centre in Calgary.

Born Thera Darlene Sandahl, she was the beloved daughter of Charles and Thera (née Johnson) Sandahl. She was the middle child and only daughter, with two brothers: Floyd (older) and Alvin (younger). Darlene grew up on the family farm east of Wetaskiwin, in the Gwynne area. She attended Nashville School and Bethany Homes from Grades 1 to 4, then was bused into Wetaskiwin for further schooling at Camp Centre and Wetaskiwin High School. She was active in sports, participating in basketball, cheerleading, and baseball.

Darlene married her first husband, Ronald Wing, with whom she had three children: Danny, Grant, and Lori. After their divorce in the early 1960s, she welcomed her fourth child, Leanne, in 1967. Throughout those early years, Darlene was supported by her loving parents as she navigated life as a single mother.

In the spring of 1972, she met the love of her life, Vern Brandon. Following a short courtship, they married on October 7, 1972. Two years later, they welcomed a son, Corey. That same year, Vern formally adopted Darlene’s four older children, uniting the family under the Brandon name.

Over the years, Darlene held many jobs, always striving to gain new experiences. After moving into town, she worked at the Wetaskiwin Veterinary Clinic and Alberta Engineering. Her ambition led her to apply for a position at the courthouse, which eventually opened the door to her dream job as a legal secretary at McNaughton & Adilman. 

Darlene was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered with numerous organizations including the I.O.D.E., Sons of Norway, Wetaskiwin Figure Skating Club, and the Wetaskiwin Legion. She proudly served for over 50 years with the Ladies Auxiliary and 15 years with Branch 86.

She and Vern shared a love of travel, exploring destinations such as China, Greece, Peru, Thailand, Ecuador, Italy, Galapagos Islands and Hawaii, among others. Through their travels, they built many lifelong friendships.

A natural organizer and socialite, Darlene loved to host and entertain. She played a key role in planning five Wetaskiwin High School reunions and created a 20+ year tradition by hosting the first annual gathering with her China travel group. She was known for her hospitality, delicious cooking, and ability to make every guest feel welcome.

Darlene was also a talented seamstress, making everything from dresses and skating outfits to Halloween costumes, and had a love for ceramics which showed her artistic side. She loved to shop, especially for purses and shoes—enjoyed watching sports and playing bingo. Darlene dearly missed golfing in her later years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Danny (MJ), Lori (Warren) Bailer, Leanne, and Corey (Kendra); her grandchildren, Steven (Vanessa), Amber (Steven) Mudie, Scott (Madison), Bradley (Cathy) Cook, Nicole Cook, Lindsay Bailer, Chad (Stacey) Bailer, Mark (Shanley) Bailer, Nolan Rashovich, Evan Rashovich, Logan & Harlow; and great-grandchildren, Casey & Hailey Cook, Hannah & Emma Bailer, Jaxon & Tristan Mudie, brother Al (Sharon) Sandahl; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

Darlene was predeceased by her beloved husband Vern (2015), her son Grant (2022), her parents Charles and Thera Sandahl, and her brother and sister-in law, Floyd and Rosemarie Sandahl.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and healthcare aids at Southwood Care Centre for their compassion and daily care, and to Dr. Vig and nurse Kat for their kindness and comfort in Darlene’s final moments.

A Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held at Baker Funeral Chapel, 5302 50 Ave, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestream recorded, and will be available to view for 90 days from the date of the service. The link for this can be found below.

In Darlene’s memory, donations are gratefully accepted to the Parkinson Association of Alberta (#120, 6835 Railway St. SE, Calgary, AB T2H 3A8) or the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation (6910 47 St, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3N3).

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