Obituary
Crescent City resident, Darlene Sanchez passed away peacefully in Napa, California surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, November 4, 2023, after a courageous fight with cancer and suffering a major stroke. Darlene was born in Vallejo, California on September 28, 1938. She grew up in Napa, California, and attended Napa High School. Upon graduation, Darlene finished her schooling to become a beautician, passed her state board exams, and was hired by Mr. Charles’ Salon where she worked for over 20 years. She then became co-owner of Cha Marie’s Beauty Salon in Napa.
Darlene married Richard Christophersen in 1958 and had 4 children: Terry, Lani, Kerci, and Rick. Darlene and Richard lived for many years in the Soda Canyon area of rural Napa. After separating and eventually divorcing Richard in 1984, she raised her youngest two children, Kerci and Rick, on her own. Darlene met William (Bill) Sanchez in 1987 and the two moved to Crescent City, California in 1993 and married in 2001.
Darlene continued to work as a beautician in Crescent City for many years, and upon her retirement, Darlene dedicated much of her time to the arts. Darlene has always been artistic and when her client, friend, and celebrated local artist, Amy Hallock invited her to attend an art class, Darlene was hooked. She learned how to mix oils and painted her first redwood scene. Since, Darlene has gone on to explore other media including water color, alcohol inks, acrylics, resin, wax and more. She painted on canvas, rocks, wood, glass, paper, and anything else she can get her hands on! A lifelong love of the ocean and the redwoods inspired Darlene to continue to create art.
She painted, drew, sculpted, and continued to learn new and innovative ways of creating and displaying her art. She joined several art galleries and groups in the area, most notably the Crescent Harbor Art Gallery and then helped to start the 2nd Street Gallery, also in Crescent City. She was active in the governance of both art associations, including serving as a board member and holding many different roles and responsibilities over the years.
Darlene was a spiritual person and very active at her church, Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church, where she enjoyed the weekly services, and most notably the potlucks and social activities that came out of her association with the church and its membership. She also enjoyed supporting the local sports teams, and you could often find her at game time with either her Warrior’s or 49er’s blanket, in her favorite chair, rooting on her team.
Darlene loved to entertain and play games. No recollection of her life would be complete without mentioning her love of good food, especially seafood. Some of the most memorable times with Darlene include a social gathering, an excellent seafood meal with good bread, followed by a rousing game of dominos, Yahtzee, Farkle, or cards. As an enthusiastic and adventurous cook, holiday gatherings weren’t complete without several homemade dips, a salad with lots of blue cheese, deviled eggs, and several main courses and side dishes, topped off with multiple pies and a few rounds of loud, and sometimes contentious bingo, where Darlene was the caller and keeper of the “prize bag”.
Darlene will be remembered most for her quick smile, warm laughter, and for her kindness. Darlene’s zest for life was contagious. She spread joy wherever she went. She was a generous person and selflessly cared for others throughout her entire life. Darlene was a loving mother, loyal friend, and a dedicated spouse. She will be dearly missed by all those that knew her.
Darlene is survived by her son Rick Christophersen, her daughters Lani Sambrotto and Kerci Belanger, her grandchildren Angelina Sambrotto and Ian Belanger, and her sister Patsy Myaer. Darlene is predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Sanchez, her parents Blanche and James, and daughter Terry Christophersen. Darlene also leaves behind many close friends in Napa and Crescent City, many of whom she considered family.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11 am at the Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church, 160 Blueberry Lane, Crescent City, CA. All are welcome. Reception to follow. For more information, contact the church at 707-464-9184.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darlene’s name to the 2nd Street Gallery, 1228 2nd Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.