1944-2023
Putnam, CT – Darlene E. (Woods) Downie Stubbe was born on March 2, 1944 in Waterville, Maine and was raised there by her parents Ralph and Laura (Bernier) Woods. In 1962, she attended secretarial school in Boston and worked as a legal secretary for Paul A. Carbone, Esq. on Tremont St. for the next eight years.
Upon her marriage to John P. Downie, they lived in several locations east of the Mississippi River, including Asheville, NC, where her two daughters were born. The children were raised in Titusville, Pennsylvania, and thereafter Darlene returned to New England. Besides the law office, her favorite career was hospitality, serving as a tour guide at the Breakers in Newport, RI and a concierge for Marriott Hotels. She married Robert P. Stubbe in 2004 and was predeceased by both of her husbands and sister, Sharon W. Parent.
Darlene was involved in volunteer work throughout her life, including local women’s clubs, hospitals, churches and community organizations. Likewise, music was always a part of her life from piano and French horn to singing in choirs.
She is survived by two daughters, Adrienne D. Fournier and her husband Robert of Putnam and Michelle D. Kranes and her husband Michael of Austin, TX; four grandchildren, Simone and Gilbert Fournier of Putnam and Sidney and Cecelia Kranes of Austin, TX; and two sisters, Debbie Woods of Putnam and Nancy Roy of Kittery, ME.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Darlene’s family on Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Darlene’s funeral will assemble on Monday, January 9 at 12:00 noon at the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass of Christian burial at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Darlene’s memory to Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT. To sign the memorial guestbook, visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Dave Babbitt
Adrien and Family,,,,Our deepest sympathies to all involved..always enjoyed the visits we had
overtime and we pray that she has Eternal Rest…..
Jack Bibek
Adrienne,Bob, and family members: So very sorry for your loss . May she rest in peace as we keep her in our prayers. Sincerely, Jack and Jeannette Bibek
Robert Beaudry
Adrienne, Bob and family , our deepest sympathies. Bob and Nancy Beaudry
Kathryn Casey
My deepest sympathy to all Fourniers. Rest in peace.
Marian Smat
My deepest sympathies to all, May she Rest In Peace
Jennie Benedict
Adrienne, Bob, Simone, and Gil, we are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you all.
The Benedict Family
Donna Coderre
Our sincere condolences to Adrienne and family. May Darlene rest in peace. God Bless.
Donna & Ron Coderre
Julie & Jim Daugherty
Oh, Adrienne & Shellzy…my heart is heavy for your loss. Growing up with your Mom and you two in my life gave me “another family.” I love you all, despite the distance and time. I looked up to your Mom – she was like the older sister I never had. We had such great conversations, and she gave me solid advice and support. Although I hadn’t seen her in a long time, she (both of you and your families) has remained in my heart and thoughts. Love you both. Hugs from the Daugherty’s
Jamie and Debra Heath
Adrienne & Family –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will cherish the memories we have of visiting with Darlene at the annual holiday party. May she rest in peace and may each of you find comfort in the memories you have of her.
God Bless.
Debra LaFiandra
Dear Adrienne, Bob, Simone & Gil,
We are so sorry for your incredible loss. May you be surrounded by God’s love during this time of grief.
Our sympathies,
Debra, Craig, William & Jake LaFiandra
Olivia Rios
To a beautiful soul, may you rest in peace. Will forever remember your smile and spunk. Praying for your children and grandchildren. God bless.
Amy Ouellette
We want to let you know that we are thinking of you all at this time. I will always remember Aunt Darlene’s amazing laugh! She was a curious person who loved to learn new things. Her way of being in the world was infectious! I so enjoyed our family trips together at the coast, down to North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. One of these trips was a deep-sea fishing adventure that she set up, and I recall a lot of laughs that day! I have a great picture of Darlene, my mother (her sister Sharon), and the youngest sister, Debbie, sitting on our dock on China Lake laughing their heads off. Gosh, the three of them could really get going! Aunt Darlene was a great hostess, and I always felt very welcome! I have a lot of fun memories of Aunt Darlene and she will be missed.
We love you all very much,
Amy, Lucien, Armand, and Laura
Silvia Aldredge & family
Dar was such a wonderful babysitter, we will all always remember her very fondly.
Our deepest condolences to your family.
May the Lord bless her and keep her, may he make his face to shine upon her.
Mary Slosar
Michelle and Adrienne: My heart is heavy for your loss and also warmed by knowing that you were all together and Dar went to her next journey surrounded by your love. She was one of a kind and will be remembered fondly.
No matter the situations surrounding it, losing a parent — especially mom — is hard. Sending you and your families big hugs and lots of love.
Mary
Carol Stahl
My deepest condolences to Darlene’s family.
She and I were very good friends while she lived in Rochester, NY, and will cherish all of the memories we created together. God bless you all! You had a super great role model!
Michael Parent
I recall deep conversations of faith with my Aunt Darlene, and her gracious hosting our family in her beautifully kept country home in Asheville… reflecting now, I believe her kindness ‘opened the door’ to my embracing living in the South. Like her sister Sharon, she held the Spirit of Christmas deeply. Our sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.
Michael & Linda Parent
Winston-Salem, NC
Michael B Darcy
Adrienne, Bob and Family: Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Mike & Erin Darcy
Nancy Kranes
My deepest prayers for Michelle, Adrienne, Aunt Debbie and their families. Dar’s love was- is a shining inspiration. May she continue to shine that love, on all.
Nan Kranes
Ángel Corona Beomont & family
Dear Shellie (and family),
I am terribly saddened by your loss. May your beloved mother rest in peace in the holiest of places. For what it’s worth, may you also find some comfort in these words:
“Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God.” ACIM
Love,
Melissa
Dear Fournier Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. May all the memories you’ve shared bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our deepest sympathy for you all.
Melissa, Jeff, Olivia and RJ
David Gagnon & Deb Callahan
Adrienne, Bob and family. We are sending our condolences and prayers.
Deb and Dave Gagnon
Elisabeth Thompson
Darlene was a friend whose company I enjoyed while she lived in Putnam. Darlene was smart and funny. She was a woman of God. Please accept my sympathy in your loss.
Shirley and John Scripture
We send our deepest condolences to Darlene’s family. We are from Rochester, New York and met Darlene at church one Sunday morning. She came knowing no one and left knowing everyone. We had a going away party for her at our house and so many came to say goodbye when she decided it was time to be closer to family. She was a lovely person inside and out and loved by many here in Rochester.
Laurie Swenson
Adrienne, Bob & Family…My sincere condolences on your loss. Surrounding you with love and holding you in prayer.
David & Carol Kranes
When a moment needed action and magic, Dar sensed it and would appear. We loved and valued her beyond-generous spirit.
Regina Johnson
Adrianne, Bob, Simone and Gil,
We are sorry for your loss. I remember when I met your mom, she was sitting behind me in church, and she sang with the voice of an angel. She is in a better place, and singing loudly, this I am sure! Your family is in our prayers. My God hold you close as your heart mends. CJ & Regina
Dennis Bernardo
Adrienne and Bob, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
Dennis Bernardo and Family
Stephanie Porciello
Darlene was my next door neighbor and my friend throughout our senior high school years. I will never forget how brave she was when her mother died. She was a bright, friendly and warm friend who was a natural leader. Her friends in Maine had a deep connection with her. I send my love to her daughters and their families. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Marc Coderre
Dear Adrienne and Bob,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. We pray that you and your family are comforted in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Marc and Robin Coderre
John Bellerose
My sympathies to you, Adrienne, Bob, and your family, on the loss of your Mother. May God hold her in the palm of his hand.
Kathryn Bellerose Willard
Adrienne, Bob, Simone and Gil,
We have so many fond memories of Dar throughout the years and understand that you all will miss her dearly. Please know we continue to pray and keep you all in our thoughts during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
Rob, Kathy, Emma and Zakk
Dr. F G. Gauthier
My sincer sympathy to Adrienne and family members as Darlene is called hme to her God whom she glorified in so many ways through her love of people, music, social events and outreach. She truly brightened the ives of her acquaintances and of all who came in contact with her. Now she waits for you to ask her intercession with our good God. Mu thoughts and prayers are with you in a special way at this time. Sincerely, Dr. Francoise G. Gauthier
KATE A PARR
My heart goes out to you all during this tender time. Life holding us together in velvet gentleness as new chapters begin and end. I see Darlene’s huge heart smiling still. Blessings to surround you. with love, AKate
Laurie Mainville
To Darlene’s family, so very sorry for your loss. Darlene was one of my most favorite customers at the 99! She always had a big smile. I will miss her. She is in heaven now eating a hot fudge sundae with extra fudge! Love Laurie