Obituaries: Darlene M. Carter

Darlene Marie (Meyer) Carter

With love and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our remarkable mother, Darlene Marie Carter, who peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Franciscan Health Center on Park Point in Duluth, Minnesota. At 93, Darlene's life was one of deep faith, love, and service to others. We find comfort in imagining her granddaughter, Traci Marie, taking her hand and guiding her to her beloved husband, Jack, who passed just four months prior in July.

Born July 21, 1931, in Le Sueur, Minnesota, to Joseph "Hayden" and Rose Meyer, Darlene was the eldest of five children. She is survived by her brother Valarian and sisters Pat, Mary, Barbara and Jeanie. A 1949 graduate of Le Sueur High School, Darlene pursued her teaching degree at Mankato State College and ventured "up north" to Cloquet, Minnesota, to teach third grade at Leach School. Though she initially called Cloquet "the end of civilization," she soon fell in love with its scenic hills, towering pines, and birches.

Fate intervened one day when a handsome young man named Jack Carter whistled at her from the window of his new car. That moment led to their first date - over an ice cream sundae - and a beautiful 68-year love story. Married on her birthday, July 21, 1956, Darlene and Jack built a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure. They raised their family on Dewey Avenue, enjoyed time at their cabin, and explored the world together, traveling to five continents and 49 states.

Darlene's life was defined by devotion to her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her faith was her guiding light, teaching her children and grandchildren the values of hard work, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. Her seven grandchildren cherished their time with Grandma, whether swinging in the hammock at the cabin, gardening together, or sharing adventures on the North Shore. They fondly recall pizza train rides, fairy tear hunts along Lake Superior, and, of course, Grandpa's handcranked ice cream topped with Grandma's famous hot fudge sauce.

A creative soul, Darlene expressed herself through needlepoint and cross-stitch and cultivated her passion for genealogy and gardening. An avid reader, and someone who refuses to give up, she adapted to her vision loss by embracing technology, using her Kindle, iPad, and Alexa to enjoy audiobooks, music, and her favorite oldtime radio shows.

Darlene had a servant's heart and was a dedicated volunteer, contributing to organizations such as Mrs. Jaycees, Meals on Wheels, and the Community Memorial Hospital, where she managed the gift shop until retiring at age 91. She was honored as Carlton County's Volunteer of the Year at the Minnesota State Fair, a testament to her enduring commitment to her community and heart for helping others. Known for her warmth and humor, Darlene valued coffee gatherings with friends, where garden tips and family stories were shared over her favorite treat: orange-glazed donut holes. Family, friends, and flowers all flourished in her care.

Darlene is survived by her children Richard (Jeanne) Carter, Cathy (Dan) Maccoux, and Cindy Carter (fiancé Duane Norgren); her grandchildren Amanda (Tim) Johnston, Eric (Andréa) Carter, Christian Carter, Olivia Maccoux, Claire Egesdal and Carter Egesdal; and her great-grandchildren Wyatt Johnston, Brooks Johnston, and Nieve Carter. She is also survived by her siblings and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Carter; their angel daughters Mary and Theresa; her granddaughter Traci Maccoux; and many cherished family members and friends.

A private interment was held Nov. 17 at New Calvary Cemetery in Cloquet. A celebration of Darlene's life will be held in the spring of 2025 at Nelson Funeral Home in Cloquet. Details will be shared on the funeral home's website and social media.

Darlene leaves a legacy of love, faith, and service. Her family will honor her memory by carrying forward her passion for family gatherings, continual learning, and helping others. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, generosity, laughter, and boundless love.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 29, 2024