Ethel “Darlene” Kaus, October 2, 1938 – January 25, 2020, passed away peacefully at Princess Court with family by her side. Darlene was born in Rainy River and was the youngest of Charlie and Gladys Armstrong’s three daughters. Darlene remained in the area for most of her early years. After having her 4 children, she moved to various locations including Fort Frances, Atikokan, Thunder Bay and finally to Dryden, where she settled down for many years to raise her youngest son.
She spent most of her working days as a waitress before opening her secondhand store, Dee’s Bargin. She ended her work life as a customer service representative at Walmart. She truly loved retail as she loved to meet and talk with people. In her spare time, she spent many hours volunteering as a Ladies Auxiliary Member at the Royal Canadian Legion as well, she enjoyed camping, playing cards, walking and spending time with her family. She was recognized by her infectious laugh and smile, which she displayed right until the end.
After Darlene retired, she moved for a brief period, back to Rainy River to care of her aging mother. After her mother’s passing, Darlene returned to Dryden to care for her sister, Jean, while she was sick. It wasn’t long after Jean’s passing, that she began making multiple visits to Thunder Bay to help care for her sister Gertie, who also fell ill. The care Darlene provided to her mother and sisters was a true testimony of her loving and selfless personality.
Darlene is survived by her children, Glenn Kaus (Allison) of Kenora, Glenda Halverson (Garry) of Rainy River, Kelvin Kaus (Anita) and Brian Kaus (Janet) of Dryden, by grandchildren; Jason (Tammy), Brian, Justin (Amanda), Kailley (Steve), Ashley, Brittany, Carly (Matt) and Cody (Emily) and by great grandchildren; Tre, Savannah, Porter, Chloe, Brayden, Austin, Isabelle, Zoe, Ciara, Riley, London and Lizzie and great-great grandchildren; Mason and Wyatt and finally, by her special friend, Maggie Alig.
Darlene was predeceased by her infant son, Keith, parents; Charlie and Gladys, sisters; Jean Morton and Gertie Venne and granddaughter Miranda Kaus.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society through Stevens Funeral Homes P.O Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
A special thank you to the staff at Princess Court for caring for Darlene over the past 3 years, and to Angela Eddison at the Canadian Mental Health Association.
