Recent  Obituaries

Darlene Faith Payne, 62, of Dallas, passed away Sunday, April 7th, 2024 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Vincent J., Sr. and Marlene (Allabaugh) Barberio.

Darlene met the love of her life David Minton Payne, Jr. while the two were attending GAR and Meyers High School respectively. After graduating from GAR, Darlene attended Bloomsburg University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She would go on to become an elementary school teacher for 37 years. Not only a teacher, Darlene was a motherly figure and mentor to so many over her incredible career. Darlene greatest gift and pleasure was her personal interaction with every child she taught over the years. It was a regular occurrence for former students to stop Darlene while out shopping, and with a big smile, ask, “Mrs. Payne?” Darlene always took the time to reminisce with them, at length, as she remembered every student, as well as their siblings. Her fellow teachers that she worked side by side with meant the world to her as well.

Darlene and David married in August of 1987 at Holy Rosary Church, in Wilkes-Barre. Darlene’s true calling was to be a mother and in March of 1995, she gave birth to triplet children Sarah, David M. III, and Jillian.

For the next 29 years Darlene enjoyed staying active in her children’s lives, between hockey tournaments, dance recitals, and frequent parent weekends at their respective colleges. Darlene’s life was forever enriched and completed by the lives and adventures of Sarah, David, and Jillian over her life. Being a mom was the utmost priority in her life, and she devoted her life to them.

Darlene loved participating in her faith as a lector at Saint Therese Church, in Shavertown, and after retiring from teaching, Darlene embraced the opportunity to work as the church secretary.

In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her brother Vincent Barberio Jr.

Surviving are her husband of 36 years, David Jr.; children Sarah (Stephen Zapoticky), David M III (Bianca Muniz Payne), and Jillian (fiancé Aaron Katzman). Darlene had a special relationship with each of her surviving siblings, John Barberio, Victor Barberio, and Sue Crowl. Darlene also enjoyed her extended family, including her mother, brothers and sisters in-law, aunts and uncles, and her numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Darlene took great care to keep her extended relatives close to her family throughout her life.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 13^th, 2024 at 10am from St. Therese’s Church, 64 Davis St., Shavertown.   Rev. James Paisley, Msgr. Jack Bendik and Rev. Joseph Pisaneschi will concelebrate.  Friends may call Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown.   

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary caregivers at Hematology and Oncology Associates of Northeastern PA, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, and Candy’s Place, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a childhood learning organization or cancer organization of your choice, in Darlene’s name.

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