Del Norte resident Darlene Carnicia Bandy, 86, passed away on Dec. 24, 2023, at the Rio Grande Hospital with her loving daughter by her side.

Darlene was born on Sept. 22, 1937, to Harry and Georgiann (Ellaschuk) Maine in San Francisco, Calif. Darlene met the love of her life Jimmie Lee Bandy and they were married Sept. 25, 1956, in San Diego, Calif. Together they raised 4 children.

Darlene had a deep love for her Heavenly Father. She cherished her family and took great joy in spending time with them. She was a nurse; her compassion and care were always appreciated by those she cared for. Darlene could often be found reading, sewing, and gardening. She revered opera and classical music, she got to attend the Santa Fe Opera three times and absolutely loved that! Darlene loved to cook and passed that love of cooking down to her two sons. She was an amazing grandmother for both her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Darlene is survived by her daughters Renee Austin of Hobbs, N.M., and Catherine (Steve) Lewis of Creede, Colo.; her sons Clay (Kathie) Bandy of Hartsel, Colo., Johnathan Bandy of Alamogordo, NM.; her grandchildren Laura Lewis, Andrew (Jessica) Austin, Sara Rosene (Andrew) Marino, April Austin, Jessi (Kevin) Wheatley, and Casey Farnsworth; her great-grandchildren Logan, Mylee, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Liam; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Lee Bandy, both of her parents Harry Kostenuk Maine and Georgiann Catherine Ellaschuk Maine, her two brothers Morian Maine, Elmore Maine and her sister Rosene Maine.

Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service will be held in Albuquerque, N.M., at a later date.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, tributes, and remembrances for Darlene’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.