Darlene L. Derrickson – Belle Vernon

Darlene L. Derrickson, 73, of Belle Vernon, Rostraver Township, passed away comfortably at home on Oct. 9, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Born on Feb. 18, 1947, to Alma Guthrie and Charles Patterson, Darlene graduated from Crafton High School in 1965. Darlene attended the University of Delaware, where she studied medical technology for two years and then gained employment as a pulmonary technician at the Wilmington Medical Center, where she worked until 1979. Relocating to Belle Vernon, she worked at Allegheny General Hospital as a cardiopulmonary technician until 1993. For the remainder of her life, she was employed in various positions, including Martins Flowers and Shrubs for 10 years. In addition to employment, Darlene’s love for reading, ceramics and gardening filled her days with happiness. As a devoted daughter, wife, mother and best friend to Marguerite and Beth Ann, Darlene was a true “soccer and wrestling mom,” a constant at all of her children’s sporting events and a die hard Pittsburgh sports fanatic. Darlene is survived by her mother, Alma “Mima” Patterson, age 93, of North Huntingdon; her brother, Randy (Michelle) Patterson of Birmingham, Ala.; her husband of 56 years, Robert Paul of Belle Vernon; two sons, Robert Paul of Belle Vernon and Brian Keith of Middletown, Del.; and three grandchildren, Robert Paul III of Belle Vernon and Joshua Paul and Kylee Patricia, both of Middletown, Del. Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Charles, in 1970; and brother, Charles “Chuck” Patterson in 2009. In lieu of flowers and in appreciation of the care given to Darlene, the family suggests donations be made to Concordia Hospice / Donnell House, 10 Leet St., Washington, PA 15301 and/or OSTPA Hospice, 4325 State Route 51, Belle Vernon, PA 15012. Due to pandemic restrictions a celebration of her life will be announced in the spring of 2021. Arrangements handled by PITTSBURGH CREMATION & FUNERAL CARE, McMurray.