Darlene M. Parent

Darlene Parent passed away at home on March 25, 2023. She was born October 4, 1954, to Patricia (Homoney) Hubbell in Pittsburgh, PA, but moved to Toledo, OH as a young child. She was the eldest of seven siblings. She attended Woodward High School and graduated in 1972. She was an exemplary student, who participated in Junior Achievement.

Immediately after high school, Darlene began working at Libbey-Owens-Ford as a glass operator and worked there until retirement in 2007. This is also where she met the love of her life, Gordon Parent. They were married on September 3, 1993. After retirement, she and Gordon moved to Kentucky, where they spent time camping and enjoying time together with their dog Snickers. They recently moved back to the Toledo area to spend more time with family.

Darlene was a strong woman and proud she raised strong daughters and granddaughters. One of her most memorable accomplishments was, in 1971, she was among the first group of women to participate in the Outward Bound Program. She spent 26 days backpacking and living in the wilderness in the Appalachian Mountains. She always wanted her children to know they could accomplish anything they set their minds to.

She enjoyed reading, swimming at the community pool, crossword puzzles, and, most of all, she loved her family. She loved being a Grammy and said that was the best thing to ever happen to her. She is a breast cancer survivor. She gave great hugs and had the best laugh, especially in inappropriate situations. She loved a good pun and often took pride in her corniest jokes. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 29 years, Gordon Parent; daughters, Sarah (Gregg) Wade and Stacy (Danny) Lawson; granddaughters, Harlie, Zoey, and Zeplynn; siblings, Paul Hubbell and Cyndee Busch; and many cherished family members.

She was preceded in death by her mother and sisters, Lauren Rybka, Christine Hubbell, Karen Futey, and Kathleen Harris. Eagerly awaiting her at the rainbow bridge are her beloved dogs, Buddy, Red, and Snickers.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wood County Humane Society to honor Darlene’s love of animals.