WEST GARDINER – Darlene Kelsey Parker, Dee, Deedee, passed away on July 4th, 2026, at her home, at the age of 75. She was born on May 5th, 1951, in Damariscotta, Maine, to Kenneth E. and Isabelle E. Kelsey.

Darlene started her educational journey at Smithtown one-room schoolhouse, graduated from Gardiner Area High School, class of 1969, and completed her education at the Augusta School of Business. She worked for the State of Maine for her entire career in the Department of Labor.

She was a member of the Litchfield Plains Baptist Church where she was very well known and loved. After retiring, she put her heart and soul into the church and fellow churchgoers. Too many to name and too many stories to tell, but the short version is the church adored her just as much as she did it.

Darlene’s love language was a good song and a church hymn. She taught Sunday School for the children. She was loved by many as she continued her church journey in roles including deacon, assistant treasurer, and usher. She was also a member of the Litchfield Food Bank Oversight Committee.

Darlene was known as Dee or Deedee to many of her loved ones. Her personality was much bigger than the eye could see. She was stronger than most due to her medical needs, but that never stopped her from a snappy comeback or a sweet hug and smile. Her joy in life came from her abundance of love and support from family and friends. She loved a good book, sunshine, and her precious black labs. She was seen time and time again walking her four-legged friends down her road, waving to each car that passed by. In her younger years, she was very fond of camping with her mother on Damariscotta Lake. That was her idea of heaven: nature, leaves, animals, all the sweet, serene sounds of the outdoors in one of her favorite places on earth.

She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth E, and Isabelle E. Kelsey, and nephew, Gary Lee Belanger Jr.

She is survived by her sisters, Brenda Griffin (Daniel), and Carolyn Belanger (Gary); niece, Jennifer Bailey, and nephew, Shawn Belanger (Veronica); great-nieces, Sierra Bailey (Kyle Farris), Aurora and Alexis Belanger, and great-nephew, Dylan Bailey, and former husband, Glenn Parker.

Darlene’s funeral service will be held on Monday, July 13th, 2026, at 11:00am, at the Litchfield Baptist Church, Plains Road, Litchfield, burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Arnold Road, Pittston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Darlene’s memory can made to: Litchfield Plains Baptist Church, PO Box 306, Litchfield, ME 04350.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com.