Daphne C. Dearn, 83, passed away at her home in Freeland, WA on May 16, 2012.

She was born and raised in Nottingham, England. She met her husband John while working as a registered nurse. They were married in Lenton Abby, Nottingham in December 1958.

Daphne moved to the United States in 1959 with her husband who had joined the U.S. Air Force. After marriage, she became a full-time parent to her three children including one with special needs. Daphne came to live on Whidbey Island in 1982 following the retirement of her husband from military service. Over the course of 30 years, they built a house in Langley and subsequently one in Freeland. She was a supporter of many causes including environmental groups and animal welfare organizations, particularly WAIF. She was also a staunch advocate for children and adults with special needs.

She very much enjoyed the rural lifestyle of the community and the pace of “island living” on Whidbey. She loved the coastal setting and mountain scenery. She also loved gardening and in recent years, loved walking her dog and socializing at the dog park near Bayview.

After 40 years of marriage, Daphne was widowed in 1998. Her surviving family members are her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, Susan, John and Emily Tarpley of Edmonds; and her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Jamie and Jean Dearn of Bothell, and Sydney Moody Dearn of Seattle.

There will be a service for Daphne at 1:00 pm Thursday, May 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. Viewing will be before the service. Afterwards, anyone wishing to join Daphne’s family for prayers at Bayview Cemetery is welcome. The family also extends this invitation to join them after the service for a gathering at Daphne’s home to celebrate her life.

Those of you who knew Daphne know that she was a force to be reckoned with! She was a strident, confident, intelligent woman yet compassionate, gracious, and giving. She loved a good laugh and to banter. She had incredible stamina, commitment, and tenacity.

She was an amazing woman and will be deeply missed.