Darline Mae Benoit passed away peacefully surrounded by her family the evening of April 9th. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She worked tirelessly to raise 6 children in a home that was filled with love and laughter.

Darline was born and raised on a hop ranch in Moxee, Washington and was the last surviving sibling of 9 children born to George and Doria Gamache. She grew up in a French community and French was spoken in the house. In High School she was crowned the 1951 Moxee City Hop Queen. Many years later her son Paul wrote and dedicated his song “Hop Queen” to his mom, one of the family’s favorites to this day.

Darline met Bill at the candy counter while he was working at his dad’s Moxee grocery store, and the rest is history. They were married for 58 years until Bill’s passing in 2011. They raised their children in St. Catherine’s parish in Maple Leaf where they made many lifelong friends.

When her youngest child started school, she worked for a jewelry manufacturer and a trophy company until both she and Bill retired. They traveled extensively in retirement and enjoyed time spent at their places in Birch Bay and Kellogg, Idaho.

Darline loved her family unconditionally and saw the good in everyone she met. Her kindness was noticed by all that knew her and she always had an extra seat at the table for her children’s friends.

The family would like to thank The Legacy of Bothell for the care and attention mom received this past year.

She is survived by her children Marie Anne (and Mike Stager), Ron (and Lisa Benoit), Joanne (and Andy Svendsen), Mark (and Amy Cericola), Mike (and Marisa Arbanas), Paul Benoit and 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Darline will be greatly missed and will live in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine of Sienna parish on May 1st at 11 am. Luncheon to follow at the Parish Hall.

814 NE 85th Street, Seattle WA 98115