Barbara V. Darcy

Barbara Vandenburg Darcy, 57, of Boise, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at St. Alphonsus Medical Center after complications following heart surgery. Though a very petite lady, Barb was a woman of great faith with an enormous heart, a talented musician, wonderful mother, amazing wife, and loyal friend. A humble person by nature, she saw Christ in everyone she encountered and reflected His love back to everyone in her life. Barbara was born in Boise, ID, to Richard and Jean Vandenburg on April 1, 1964. She grew up in Boise, graduated from Boise High School, and went on to earn a B.A. from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Throughout her life, she played the clarinet in numerous bands and orchestras, was an accomplished pianist, and loved participating in church choir. After graduating from UPS, Barb enrolled at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, to obtain her teaching certificate. To satisfy her ever present musical itch, she also began playing clarinet with the North Seattle Community Band. It was there that a clarinet player who sat behind her, a young man wearing his Washington State University t-shirts, taunted her with his "Go Cougs" phrases. Never one to back away from a challenge, Barb turned around and engaged him in a vain attempt to bring him back to reality. Somewhere during their many little Apple Cup discourses, the two became friends and fell in love. Paul and Barb were married in Boise, ID, at St. Mary's Catholic Church on June 27, 1992. That clarinet duet made beautiful music together for over 29 years (though she never did cure Paul of being a die-hard Coug). During those years, in addition to playing together in groups like the Treasure Valley Concert Band, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Boise Community Band, and church choirs at St. John's and St. Mark's, they enjoyed many good times making music with many wonderful friends. When not playing music, Barb was a most patient, understanding, and loving mother to her two sons, Matthew and Joseph. She spent many hours giving of herself and setting an example of how to love everyone for who they are. A long time employee of Dunkley Music, she carried these values with her to the work place and touched co-workers and customers alike. Barbara is survived by her adoring husband, Paul Darcy; their two children: Matthew Darcy and Joseph Darcy; her mother, Jean Vandenburg; sisters: Nancy Westcott (Bart) and Margaret Vandenburg (Lisa); brother, Larry (Paula); and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all.