It is with much sadness that the All Saints' Episcopal Church family announces the passing of our grand matriarch, Darlene Rikard at age 95. Darlene was a staunch supporter of All Saints', smart, loyal and feisty. She served on the Vestry, was a monthly coffee host, manned our activities and for over ten years she was the Card Ministry director, sending greetings for all birthdays, anniversaries, get well wishes and condolences, as well as our church newsletters.

Darlene was born on January 17, 1929, in Portageville, MO, to Lucille and Virgil Walker. After her mother divorced, the family including her older sister, Nora, moved to Memphis and Lucille married Sam V. Catanzaro.

Darlene was a proud Southside High School "Scrapper" and graduated in 1947. Alumnae met for monthly breakfasts for decades at Perkins, until age took its toll. After high school she went to work in sales with S. Fargotstein & Sons Jewelers and retired from there after 48 years. She was also a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW for 45 years. She and her special companion, Joe Culotta, attended many of their conventions and events, until his death in 1990.

Up until a few months ago Darlene kept her home in order, bought groceries, drove to church and, prepared her own meals. She was fiercely independent, kind and generous supporting many causes. She enjoyed sports, especially the Tennessee Titans, Wheel of Fortune (Don't you dare call at 6:30!), Jeopardy and pretty much any cowboy movie. She passed away on August 28, 2024, after a short illness at Allenbrooke Rehab and Nursing Home, and we thank them and Gentiva Hospice for their kind and attentive care.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, and her sister and her husband H. Weston Brawdy. She leaves to cherish her memory, her nephew Skeet and wife Layne Brawdy, of McCook NE, and her first cousin Brenda Downing, of Jackson, TN. She will be cremated and inurnment will be in the Columbarium at All Saints' Episcopal Church where she will join her family. Arrangements for a funeral service are incomplete. If you are so inclined, any memorials to All Saints' would be very appreciated, or the charity of your choice. Rest well, sweet Darlene, you will be greatly missed.