Darlene "Dar" Thompson-Lavagnino

Dar, a woman of great faith and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on July 18th, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 85 years young.

Dar’s early years were shaped by the loss of her mother and growing up at Grandma’s in Santa Maria, Calif. There, amidst a lively group of cousins, she spent her days playing "Cowboys and Indians" on Morrison Street, often playfully "beating up" on her older brother Ronnie and the little kids.

Her life took a joyful turn when she gained a mother by marriage and heart, moving to a ranch in Los Berros Canyon. These were some of her most cherished memories, riding her horse, feeding calves and working alongside her father, Ken.

She fell for the daring and suave Larry Lavagnino, who charmed her with flyovers in his plane. They married and had three wonderful children: Laurie, Lynn, and Steve, each embodying the best qualities of both parents. Dar was known for her fun-loving nature, quick wit, and infectious energy, always beloved by her family. They often laughed over her memorable cooking "skills," which included burnt pudding, rotten milk, and frozen raviolis.

In 1973, Dar embarked on a new chapter, moving to the beauty of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

She was affectionately known as "Super G" or "G-Ma," a constant presence at Post Falls High School sports, cheering on her grandsons Jon and Ty Jacobs. Later, she proudly became an "Idaho Vandal Gma."

Dar had a remarkable knack for numbers and enjoyed calculating. She was incredibly lucky when it came to gaming, and betting on horses. She will be dearly missed for her famously long phone calls, her unique humor, sharp sarcasm, and her unparalleled ability to deliver a godly mother's guilt trip.

Even now, her phone continues to receive updates on her favorite teams; she had her own MLB account and passionately cheered for the Atlanta Braves (though she was very dissatisfied this season) and was a devoted Forty-Niners super fan.

For the past ten years, Dar lived independently at the Grove at Orchard Ridge, where she found a repeat of her high school years, filled with friendly drama and grand adventures with her fellow residents. She leaves behind her bestie, Beanie Little, and many friends who offered immense encouragement during her final months.

Dar had a unique diet of root beer, Lay's potato chips, and Beanie's chocolate pie. Her family would often catch her on camera sneaking into the kitchen after "playing dead." Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Connie, Toady, Lew, Lisa, Karen K, Dianna, Jennifer, and Hospice House for their compassionate care and support, which was truly a blessing to Dar and her family.

With a final kiss and hug, the loved ones she leaves behind include her children Laurie Pipan (Eddie), Lynn Lavagnino (Marc), and Steve Lavagnino (Marian), her beloved sister Dora and brother Dale, the Morrison Street gang, her nieces and nephews, her grandchildren Jon and Ty (Katy) Jacobs, Cody and Cole Lavagnino, Fabian (Yesenia), Gabriel (Kristin), and Desirae Rodriquez, Scott Pipan (Amanda)and 14 great grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held at Avila Beach, California, a place she loved to spend time with her feet in the sand.

Dar is now at rest with Jesus, reunited with her loved ones, and has forever touched the lives of all who knew her. Godspeed, Dar!