Darleen Thornton Farrell Sylvester

Darleen rejoined her dance with Bill Sylvester on March 31, 2025. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darleen devoted her later years to her children, grandchildren, “critter sitting”, and volunteering with the American Red Cross and at The Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s winter home in Ormond Beach. She also traveled extensively, eventually putting a pin in 43 states and 39 countries.

Darleen was born February 19, 1943, in Bainbridge, New York, to Harold and Edith Thornton. She attended K-12 at Whitney Point (NY) Central School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education at the State University of New York (SUNY)- Oneonta.

Professionally, Darleen started her career as a teacher in New York and continued teaching when she moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1971. From there she went on to work at Sears, as an adjunct professor at Daytona Beach Community College, and for Volusia County, first at the Soil & Water Conservation District and then in Environmental Management. She retired from contracts administration, Volusia County, in 2003.

In retirement, she continued to travel, “critter sit”, and enjoy reading, swimming and crafts. Her greatest blessing was living close to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Darleen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edith Thornton; her sister, Joleen Cascaden, and her husband, Bill Sylvester. She is survived by her children, Terri (Chris) Creese and Todd Farrell; grandchildren, Mekenzy (Hayden) McCormick, Colton (Trenton) Creese, Jamiee Lynn (Taylor) Brice, and Michael (Ashley) Hodge. She also was dearly loved by her great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

Darleen's remains will be interred at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to any of the following : (a few of her favorites)

• Guiding Eyes for the Blind

• St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

• ANY local animal shelter