Darlene Emma (Korman) Rae

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Emma Rae (Korman) on December 5, 2025, at the age of 83. Born October 8, 1942, in Coleman Alberta, Darlene was a loving wife to Allan, a loving mother to her children, Shelley (late husband Scott) and Derek (NormaJean), grandmother to Vanessa (Noah), Ashley (Michael) and Jaeden (Kieran), and a loving great grandmother to Iyla and Miles. Her sister, Marilyn and Brother-in-law, George still reside in Coleman Alberta. She was an aunt to Darcy (Mike) and Corrie (late husband Dwayne) and great aunt to Abby and Kaitlin. Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Tillie and Mike Korman.

Darlene graduated high school in the Crowsnest Pass in 1959, and married Allan in 1962. They moved to Boston MA so Allan could attend Berklee College of Music, where Darlene worked as a secretary for IBM. When they returned to Canada they lived in Calgary Alberta where both of her children were born. In the summer of 1970, the family moved to Toronto Ontario where she worked as a copyist for the Canadian music centre. The next four years were spent with the family spending time on Yonge Street, skating on Rideau Canal, and many hours at Marie Curtis Park. The family moved back to Calgary in 1975 where Darlene became a realtor for Cowley and Keith followed by Marquis, Re/Max and Maxwell over a 45-year period. Her commitment to hard work, honesty and integrity got her many referrals and returning clients.

On one of the family vacations back to Ontario she saw sailboats in the harbour by Ontario Place and her love of sailing began. Over the years Darlene and the family sailed in small boats on lakes, graduating to large boats on the Pacific Ocean. Most summers were spent in the Gulf Islands cruising and anchoring among the beautiful islands.  Many more years of sailing with family and friends were to follow, including sailing in Greece, New Zealand, and sailing to and living aboard in Mexico for a year.

Darlene will be remembered for her dedication and unwavering support for her family. Her quiet strength and gentle guidance fostered resilience and deep loving bonds. Darlene’s unstoppable spirit will continue to strengthen, inspire and uplift everyone she has touched. She will be deeply missed, never forgotten and forever loved.

“The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone.
Let others follow, if they can!
Let them a journey new begin.
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

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