Obituary of Darlene Meyer Holdsworth

Darlene Meyer Holdsworth, 63, a supremely vital and multifaceted woman -- who was widely admired for her wit and wisdom -- died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on January 8 from a malignant brain tumor. Darlene woke every morning and said, "It's a beautiful day." Then she set out to make it so. Her fondest passions were nurturing her family, friends and gardens, and dancing, cooking, the fine arts and bargain hunting. Her optimism and laughter were with her until the end. Darlene was born July 13, 1950 in Easton, Pa. the second of three children and the only daughter of John G. and Dorothy C. Meyer. Both predeceased her. Darlene's husband of 42 years, Tom of Herndon, Va., their grown children Kate of Greenfield, Mass., and John, also of Herndon, survive her. Her brother John and his wife Kim of Naples, Fla., brother Gregg and his wife Joann of Easton, Pa. and four aunts, two uncles, two brothers- and two sisters-in-law, four nieces, three nephews, two great-nephews and many friends--who were as dear to Darlene as family--also survive her. A 1968 graduate of Phillipsburg Catholic High School, N.J., Darlene earned her associates degree from The University of Bridgeport, Conn. in 1970 and her B.A. in 1980 from George Washington University. By far, Darlene's happiest and proudest occupation was being a full-time mother to her two children. At the time of her passing, she was a successful self-employed business consultant under contract to Unisys Federal Systems in Reston, Va. Previously, Darlene was also a substitute teacher for Fairfax County Schools, Va., a teacher at Nysmith School in Va., and assistant to the head of Special Collections, -- housing rare books and manuscripts including Emily Dickinson's poetry -- at Amherst College, Mass. One of her last spoken words was "home." She said it as she looked about her, recognized her surroundings and smiled. She made this life "home" to her family and to so many friends. Now she herself is truly home. A memorial service and reception will be held in celebration of Darlene's life at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 651 Dranesville Road, Herndon on February 28 beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area (PO Box 42, Herndon, VA 20172) a non-profit shop founded by area churches to assist low-income families. The Closet was Darlene's favorite charity. As lovely as flowers are, helping others is as beautiful and more lasting. Additional information and an online guest book may be accessed at the Adams-Green Funeral Home website www.adamsgreen.com