Margaret Slack Darby

May 21, 1922 — Jan. 27, 2013

Margaret passed away in her sleep on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2013. The second of four children, she was born in San Diego on May 21, 1922, to Joseph and Alice Slack. Margaret, known by most of us as Marge, graduated from San Diego High School in 1940. She was a shy girl but at her mother’s encouragement, became involved in theatre. It must have worked because we all know her as very outgoing. She met her future husband, Richard Darby, at a San Diego High School sponsored dance.

Margaret and Richard married Sept. 20, 1942 and their first child, Joan, was born during World War II while Richard was stationed in Tientsen, China. After the war, they remained in San Diego and shared many wonderful years together until Richards’ death in 2007. Margaret worked hard — first at home and then after the children all left home, she began a career in real estate. She eventually became a successful escrow officer.

Margaret and Richard had a number of good friends and enjoyed entertaining. She loved to travel; one of her fondest memories is traveling in France with her mother. Most of all, she cherished her family and was happiest when her family was near. She shared her love and kindness with everyone — her family, her ever-evolving extended family, and her friends. All of us are thankful for times we were blessed to spend with her.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Joan Williams of Placerville, Calif.; her sons, Richard Darby of El Cajon, Calif., and Donald Darby of Toutle, Wash.; her six grandchildren, Brian and Jana Chirrick, Brandon Darby, Kristine Herring and Zoey and Milo Darby; her great-grandchild, Genevieve Chirrick; and her sister, Betty Blount.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael Catholic Church in Poway, Calif. Interment will be at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway.