Darlene Joyce (Streeter) Humphreys Obituary
Darlene Joyce Humphreys (nee Streeter) ended her journey with dementia on July 9, 2025, at age 91 in Citrus Heights, CA. She was born to Vernon Carroll Streeter and Ova Lay Streeter in Fergus Falls, MN on June 8, 1934. Darlene migrated to California with her family in first grade and grew up in Healdsburg.
As a youngster, Darlene picked prunes in the Alexander Valley where grapes now blanket the landscape. She graduated from Healdsburg High School in 1954. Following high school, she attended San Jose Bible College for two years. Her plans to become a missionary were interrupted when she was introduced to her future husband, Mervin Humphreys. They were married in Fort Worth, TX on February 8, 1959, and Darlene graduated from nursing school that August.
Darlene lived in Pacifica for many years, where she raised her three children: Daniel Humphreys (Kathy), Doreen Moldovan (Stephen) and Marlene Tracy (Keith Biggers). Darlene’s career at Seton Medical Center (Mary’s Help Hospital) in Daly City spanned 1965-1991 where she worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) on the pediatrics, geriatrics, and surgical units. After moving to Elk Grove, she retired in 1993 to care for her husband and was widowed in 2003. Her final permanent residence was in Rescue where she enjoyed daily walks around Cameron Park Lake.
Darlene was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothes for her daughters when they were little. She was skilled at making baby blankets, an item gifted to numerous friends. She loved to paint both house walls and oil canvases. To the amazement of her kids, she could name every flower and knew every nursery rhyme. She couldn’t carry a tune but did a lot of humming. Darlene was very interested in genealogy and spent significant time researching her family history. She had a childlike love of stickers and usually stuck them where they didn’t belong.
Darlene was a prayer warrior, praying daily for each of her children and their families. Her Bible was the most read book in the house, but she loved a good Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mystery. Prior to developing dementia Darlene was a regular attendee of --- and was baptized at --- Lakeside Church in Folsom. Through the years Darlene was active in Bible study groups, and she loved attending the Placerville Senior Community Center.
Although her mind was failing, she never forgot her children. They, in turn, will never forget her. She was a loving mother and up for any challenge. She’d do anything, go anywhere, and try anything new. At age 85, she hiked to the top of Mount Tamalpais! She was always happy to travel and took many trips with her husband, kids, and grandkids. She loved going to the circus and attending the California State Fair. She loved gardening and was especially proud of her Elk Grove tomato and pomegranate crops.
Darlene is survived by her children and extended family: bonus daughter Merlene Humphreys Love, grandson Joseph Love; granddaughters Phoebe Humphreys (Daniel) and Melissa Humphreys (Dane Goser); former son-in-law Dan Tracy, grandson Kevin Tracy (Adrianna), grandson Eric Tracy (Katie); great grandchildren, Alexandra Love Davis, McKinley Tracy, Silas Tracy; siblings Dorothy Hammack, Daniel Streeter (Eva) and Dennis Streeter (Evie), and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by longtime friends, Joan Tracy and Elaine Reynolds.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents, husband, sister Marion Capri, sister Naomi Wilson, sister Nellie Kabel, and brother Vernon (“Sonny”) Carroll Streeter, Jr.
“Big Mom” (as she was lovingly known) will be deeply missed. She was one of the hardest working, selfless individuals you could ever meet. Her cheery disposition, her love of family, and her ability to care for people will be remembered for years to come. We pray that all the good things she represented will carry on through her children, grandchildren and future generations.
Darlene’s children would like to thank Sugar Maple Care Home in Citrus Heights for the excellent attention, care, and love that she received during the last years of her life. They would also like to thank Dr. George Kienle, Kaiser/Folsom, for his years of medical care. His attentiveness as Darlene aged is very much appreciated and his kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.
