Darlene Faith Dunbar

Darlene Faith Dunbar (née: Edsall) passed gently into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, after a six week up and down struggle to recover from a high-risk surgery.  She wanted to be with her family, and fought valiantly, but she also longed to be with her Saviour, Jesus, and was ready to be with Him, free from pain.

Darlene was born on September 20th, 1944 to William and Emily Edsall in Nanticoke, ON.  She was little sister to Bruce Edsall, Walter (Bill) Edsall, Marilyn Edsall Greer, and cherished big sister to Beverley (Bev) Edsall Beach.  Darlene was adored by many nieces and nephews in the USA and Canada.  Growing up, Darlene lived between Ontario, Florida and Arizona, as her dad’s health required warmer climates. 

In high school, Darlene attended Lorne Park College in Mississauga, ON where she met Marvin Dunbar, seated alphabetically.  Marvin was instantly impressed with the beautiful brunette with the dazzling smile beside him.  And so began a budding romance.  Darlene became Marvin’s beloved bride on May 2nd, 1964.  Together they faithfully raised their three children: Kathy, Jay and Bethany.  Darlene was committed to being at home with her children, which they were abundantly blessed by.

Darlene was always involved in teaching Sunday School and served her Saviour so beautifully by leading her own children, and so many others, to know and love Jesus.  Darlene and Marvin also became involved with Christian Salvage Mission and enjoyed serving in that ministry together. 

Darlene deeply valued many close friendships in Ontario, with young and seniors alike.  She was always another mom to her kids’ friends.  Darlene loved getting together with her “birthday bunch” – a dear group of close friends who gathered for each other’s birthdays.

After many years of raising their family and serving the Lord in southern Ontario, Marvin and Darlene made the huge decision in 2007 to move west and be closer to their children and grandchildren, who lived in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.  What a joy and blessing it was to have them living nearby, making beautiful memories.  While it was hard to move away from her many dear friends in Ontario, Darlene always knew how to be a good friend, and developed many more dear and rich friendships in Saskatchewan, all of whom feel her passing keenly.

In Darlene’s last six weeks of life, while in ICU Saskatoon and then in palliative care in Moose Jaw, her strong faith, radiant smile and strength of character shone through and deeply impacted all those who cared for her in both hospitals. 

Darlene honoured her Lord and Saviour in life here on earth and is rejoicing in fullness of life in His presence now.  We miss her more than words can say, but for those who have received Jesus as Saviour, we have the hope and promise that we will see her again.  For Darlene, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) The words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8 were true for her. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 

Darlene’s children have found the words of Psalm 116:7,15-16 of great comfort as they grieve her passing to glory. “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you… Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.”

Darlene is grieved and celebrated by her husband, Marvin; children: Kathy Dobrenski (Doug), Jay Dunbar (Lori), and Bethany Daechsel (Justin); grandchildren: Jessica Dobrenski (Cole Wreggitt), Cole Dobrenski (Helengrey), Gillian Wittke (Kalum), Emily Dobrenski, Cody Dunbar (Joelle), Kaila Dunbar, Keyanna Dunbar, Kamea Dunbar, Jude Daechsel, Elliana Daechsel, Solomon Daechsel and Isaiah Daechsel; great-grandchildren: Willow Dunbar, Wyatt Dobrenski, and Shepherd Wittke; siblings: Bill (Barbara) Edsall and Bev Beach.  Passed on before Darlene are her parents, William and Emily; brother, Bruce Edsall; brother-in-law, John Beach; and daughter-in-law, Jody Dunbar.

The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 21^st, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home with interment to take place in Caronport Cemetery.  Those not able to attend may view the service virtually at www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/.  A Time of Visitation for Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, November 20^th, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Darlene requested that donations may be made to Christian Salvage Mission, 120 Lancing Dr, Hamilton, ON L8W 3A1 or Briercrest College and Seminary, 510 College Drive, Caronport, SK S0H 0S0.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Cara Ashworth – Intern Funeral Director 306-693-4550