- Date Of Birth: January 27, 1923
- Date Of Death: May 28, 2018
- State: Iowa
Darleen Brewster Narey, a longtime supporter of families and children in Spirit Lake, Iowa, died surrounded by family on May 28, 2018 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. She was 95. Darleen had deep roots in Spirit Lake. Her parents owned a general store in town and she graduated from Spirit Lake High School, going on to Grinnell College and then Drake University, where she graduated with a degree in education. Darleen worked for United Airlines in Chicago during World War II and married her sweetheart, Peter B. Narey, when he returned from the war as an officer. An active and committed member of the community, Darleen was an early promoter of the Head Start program, designed to help prepare young children for kindergarten, no matter their means. She was a founder of the Spirit Lake Hospital Auxiliary, and a co-founder of the Adult Education program in Spirit Lake. Darleen worked to beautify Hill Avenue, was a longtime member of LBU, volunteered at the local school and was a mentor and counselor for many in the Spirit Lake area. And that was just the start. She left an indelible impression on her many friends and devoted family—and a line of beloved cats—with a wry sense of humor, strong sense of loyalty and unwavering faith. Darleen is survived by her daughters, Nancy Wyatt (Richard Wyatt) and Sally Narey; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.