2025-04-28Darlene Hendrix
Apr. 16, 1950 – Mar. 28, 2025Our mom and friend Darlene Kay (Wait) Hendrix, a beloved soul with an unforgettable sense of humor and a heart full of compassion, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025.Born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, Dar carried the spirit of the northland —resilient, kind, and full of stories. She graduated from Denfeld High School in 1969 and went on to attend Duluth Area Vocational Technical Institute. After many winters spent shoveling snow (not her favorite) and watching the waves of Lake Superior, she eventually found sunshine and new beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona, where she continued raising a family and built a life filled with purpose, community, and laughter.Dar dedicated her career to caring for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, bringing warmth, patience, and light into some of life’s most challenging moments. To the families she worked with, she was more than a caregiver—she was a source of comfort and strength.A true lover of music and dance, Dar never missed an opportunity to move to a good tune—whether it was a spontaneous sing-a-long to a musical, singing happy birthday with her air guitar, a favorite oldie playing in the car, or a shared singing moment with family sparked by Name That Tune. Music brought her joy, and she shared that joy freely with others.Known for a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, as we liked to call them “Dar-e-isms”, she could make anyone smile or chuckle. Dar had a gift for finding joy in the everyday and sharing it generously. Whether through a perfectly timed joke, a mischievous grin, or a witty observation, laughter followed wherever she went.She is survived by her twin daughters Nikki (Nick Judson) Kostynyk of Duluth, MN; Lori (Tim) Kulas of Esko, MN; son Bill Brandes of Phoenix, AZ; along with 3 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 3 grand-pets, friends, and those whose lives were touched by her care, humor, music, and kindness.Two celebrations of life will be held privately with family and friends in Duluth, MN and Phoenix, AZ.Dar will be deeply missed but remembered always—with love, with laughter, with music, and with gratitude.Mom, we will forever miss your love taps. Thank you for being our person and our model of strength. We’re gonna love you forever and ever, forever and ever ... Amen.