Celebrating the Life of
Darlene Circle
April 30, 1947 — June 3, 2024
Obituary
Darlene Kathryn Circle, a beloved mother, grandmother, dear friend, and retired educator, passed away on June 3, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on April 30, 1947, in Takoma Park, Maryland, Darlene was the daughter of Ralph and Esther (Roston) Dahlgren.
Darlene graduated from Takoma Academy in 1965, and then Loma Linda University (La Sierra campus). She later received her Master’s of Education in 1999.
She dedicated her life to teaching, as an elementary school teacher, resource teacher, and a professor of education at the University of Central Florida. Darlene was passionate about integrating teaching theories with practical expertise to make education effective, personalized, and enjoyable, for teachers and students. Her influence on those she taught had and will continue to have an incredibly wide ripple effect.
Darlene had a deep appreciation and enjoyment of nature. Throughout her life she went on numerous camping adventures, visited many national and state parks, and enjoyed time at the beach with her kids when they were young. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her frequent nature walks, her love for Wekiwa Springs State Park (FL), and the joy she found in every cloud, sunset, bird, tree or blooming flower. She noticed the beauty in what many overlook, and inspired others to do the same.
Darlene loved Disney World, celebrating many special occasions there and visiting simply to enjoy the magic and fun. She valued making her family and friends feel special, through “mystery trips,” vacations, care packages, unique gifts, and her ever encouraging words.
Her example of unconditional love and immeasurable kindness will continue to encourage and inspire her family and all those who knew her.
Darlene was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Circle, and her parents Ralph and Esther Dahlgren. She is survived by her loving children, Leroy Scharffenberg (Tricia) and Lori Scharffenberg (Barry Warren); her five grandchildren Daniel, Jacob, and Brooklyn Scharffenberg, and Bennett and Brooks Warren; her sister Jeannette Park; and the father of her children, Lloyd Scharffenberg. Her children and grandchildren were her daily joy and delight.
Darlene's presence on this earth will be missed immensely. We’re grateful for a God who tells us this is not the end of the story and that we’ll get to see her again.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate stories, memories, and photos of Darlene, either in the comments below, by email or mail. (Note when commenting below, photos and messages will not display immediately.)
If a gift to express sympathy is desired, consider contributing to the Scharffenberg grandchildren's college fund at [ugift529.com](https://www.ugift529.com), using the code P85-P1W, or donating to [Manna Project International](https://www.mannaproject.org/give1) in Darlene’s name.
Messages can be emailed to Leroy at [email protected] and Lori at [email protected]. Cards can be mailed to the following addresses:
Leroy Scharffenberg
220 Banbury Ct
Longwood, FL 32779
Lori Scharffenberg
1714 Oregon St
Orlando, FL 32803
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
Darlene taking a photo at Sand Lake in Wekiwa Springs State Park, March 2018. She always had such joy being out in nature. And she enjoyed interacting with the people we met along the trails.
Selfie that Darlene took of us at Wekiwa Springs State Park in front of the springs and boardwalk. So many happy memories from all the various parks we visited.
Darlene, Janet and Joanne outside a cinema, March 2014. After discovering all three of us loved a good children’s movie, we met to see one together.
Darlene with folk artist Theresa Disney at the opening of her show at Jeanine Taylor Folk Art in Sanford, January 2017. She loved Theresa’s art as much as I do and purchased a painting of birds.
Darlene was a dear friend who introduced me to Wekiwa Springs Park where this photo was taken in 2018. (An earlier storm had knocked down the tree you see on the path.) We spent many happy hours on photo adventures at various parks in Central Florida. However, Wekiwa (especially the Sand Lake area) held a special place in our hearts.)
Darlene and I dining at Sanaa restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge with giraffe, zebra and other African animals grazing outside the picture window. Enjoying the illusion that they could walk right up just like the beautiful grey-crowned crane on the other side of the glass.
On top of the mountain in Jasper yelling "Hello World!" We talked about this trip many times during phone calls. One of us would say "remember when we did...." Oh Darlene I will miss your phone calls. You would always say "Oh how I love to hear your laugh." Then we'd laugh and start talking about what ever was on our mind. Miss you dear friend.
On the way to Jasper Canada we stopped at this Museum. It snowed that day in May and I had gotten sick in Banff so Darlene drove my car. She loaded my car and drove until I felt better. She was so helpful and positive.
Getting ready to board this boat in Waterton, Canada that took us across the Canada/Montana border line. We stayed here two days. We ordered fish at the local restaurant and they brought it with the head attached so we asked them to take it back and return it without the eyes looking at us. We laughed about it later and it became a point of conversation thereafter.
Darlene was so excited to finally make it to Lake Louise. She and I had always dreamed of experiencing the lake and the famous Hotel so we ate lunch there.
On Darlene's second visit to Washington we went to Glacier National Part where we hiked to a lake and ate the best Huckleberry pie at the entrance restaurant.
I took her to Mt. Rainier in Washington State. We stayed at a lodge and did a little hiking. So fun!
We were excited to eat brunch at the Empress Hotel before we left BC. It was something we both had on our bucket list.
Our visit to Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC. She was so excited to finally see the Gardens and stay in Victoria for 5 days! We had a blast!
Ferry ride from Anacortes, WA to Victoria, BC Darlene loved the breeze in her face!
So sad to hear the news of my Aunt Darlene’s unexpected passing. The amount of prayers that I’ve said for her the past several years since she was diagnosed with cancer have been numerous. A few months ago I was texting with her on her birthday and she told me “ you are valued and appreciated”, She was so good with words of affirmation. She and I shared a love of walking, hiking and especially a LOVE for Disney. I had shared, per her request, my recent Disney pictures which she said made her happy. You will be missed, thank you for always being so kind to me and offering a supporting word when needed.
My dear friend of 22 years died this month. May her memory be a blessing to her family, friends, and all who knew her. Darlene and I opened the two UCF regional campuses in Lake County in 2002. We spent many nights reading student teacher internship portfolios. We traveled to Germany together and she was my photographer, as I did my Holocaust research for my book. We had many adventures including Disney fun and golfing. Even with her critical illness, somehow even the difficult months in the hospital and rehab center, brings comforting memories. It reminds me how hard she wanted to fight to see grandchildren. I remember we were supposed to travel to Italy together, but life took a hard turn. One day she opened her eyes and smiled at the picture I photo-shopped and hung in her hospital room. It was in Venice with us on a Gondola. I titled it: “Grandmas on Gondolas.” I will miss our friendship very much. Hebrew prayer for a friend: To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. Say not in grief she is no more but in thankfulness that she was. As long as we live they too will live, for they are now a part of us as we remember them. Oseh Shalom bimromov hu yaaseh sholom olaynu valkol yisroayl vimru omayn.He who makes peace in heaven, may he make peace for us, for all of Israel, for Darlene’s soul, and for her beloved family & friends. And let us say Amen. Love, Sheryl
Darlene & Sheryl & our favorite mouse
My heart aches for your loss. I can fee the pain and process you must be going through because I feel it too. Darlene had such a big heart for people. She always had something positive to say that would make you feel better. Over 20 years ago When I found out she lived in the Orlando area I called her and we would meet for breakfast or lunch when I was in the area. During one of our lunch meets she told me she was planning to go on a tour to Banff and Lake Louise, Canada. I had just moved to Spokane, WA and asked her if she would consider flying to Spokane and we could take a trip together. She thought that would be more fun than being on a bus tour so we started planning. Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper., Calgary and Waterton. A few years later she returned and experienced Mt. Rainier, Glacier National Park. She loved being in the beauty of nature. I will miss the good talks and laughs we had together. I can hold on to the memories and know that I will see her again when Christ returns. May God and His angels wrap their arms around your family and bring you comfort and peace.
Sincere condolences to you all. We were so blessed to have DARLENE with us longer than we could have imagined. I am so glad to have visited with her last month for a great porch-side chat. May fond memories sustain you all.
My deepest condolences to the Scharffenberg and Warren families. Lori, your mom was so beautiful and you will carry on her amazing qualities always. I loved reading about her life and all the ways she’s impacted the world. Your mom lives through you and your love of family, nature, and education. I know she must’ve been immensely proud of the amazing person you are. She’ll be waiting for you one day in heaven. So sorry for your loss. All my love.
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