Darlene Mae Robertson

Darlene Mae Robertson, 94, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born and raised in the very small town of Pender, Nebraska, Darlene grew up with a deep appreciation for community, hard work, and resourcefulness. Even in her earliest years, she carried a quiet determination that set her apart. She became the first college graduate in her family and one of very few women from her hometown to pursue higher education at a time when such a path was rare and not expected of young women. Her perseverance, courage, and belief in the power of education became defining threads throughout her life.

Driven by both curiosity and compassion, Darlene earned her B.S in Education, from the University of Nebraska and later a Master’s degree from Columbia University—remarkable accomplishments that reflected her commitment to learning and a desire to help others. As a speech pathologist, she devoted her professional life to empowering individuals to find their voice, ultimately building and operating her own private practice with great pride. She was a longtime member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and deeply respected within her field. Her dedication to advancing the discipline extended beyond her own practice; she served on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Orofacial Myology, contributing to the development and recognition of the specialty. During her years in Arizona, she also served on the Board of Directors of the Phoenician East Association in Scottsdale, where she brought her characteristic thoughtfulness, organization, and community‑minded spirit.

Darlene approached life with a sense of adventure, reflection, and openness. Over the years, she lived in more than twenty places across the country, forming lasting friendships wherever she went. Her marriage to Gerald Robertson (deceased) was rooted in a love story that began at the University of Nebraska, where she was a Tri Delta and he was Phi Gamma Delta; the two met and forged bonds with friends who remained part of their lives for decades. Their early years together were shaped by those enduring connections and the strong sense of belonging Nebraska instilled in them. As partners, they cultivated a wide circle of friends and created a life grounded in shared experiences. Together, they traveled the world and eventually settled with their family in Evergreen, Colorado, and later Scottsdale, Arizona.

One of Darlene’s greatest sources of joy and pride was her family. She delighted in the achievements of her son, Charles Robertson, an attorney in San Diego whose dedication and integrity reflected values she held dear. She was equally proud of her daughter, Amy Robertson, a former college field hockey coach who became Darlene’s devoted primary caregiver during her years in Durham. Amy’s care, companionship, and love provided Darlene with comfort, laughter, and an unwavering sense of home. Darlene was also blessed with a son‑in‑law and daughter‑in‑law whom she embraced as her own children. Larry Lowe and Liz Sanders held a special place in her heart, and she often spoke of the deep gratitude, love, and joy they brought into her life.

Darlene’s recovery journey was one of her most profound personal accomplishments. She began her path to sobriety at the Hazelden/Betty Ford Center, where she immersed herself in the difficult and transformative work of recovery. It was there that she met Liz Jeffery, who became a lifelong friend and cherished chosen family member. Their bond was a source of strength, loyalty, and mutual support that enriched every stage of Darlene’s life. A proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, she ultimately celebrated 38 years of sobriety—a milestone she credited to the unwavering support of her AA community and the spiritual grounding it offered. She spoke openly and gratefully about the role recovery played in shaping the woman she became, inspiring many who walked a similar path.

In 2015, Darlene moved to Durham, where she became an active and beloved member of Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church. Mount Bethel offered her a unique faith experience—one that blended Christian values with a worldview that resonated deeply with her own. She participated enthusiastically in Bible studies and podcast discussion groups, spaces where her academic curiosity continued to flourish well into her later years. She cherished the friendships she found there and the comfort of being part of a thoughtful, caring faith community. Her later years were filled with simple joys—luncheons with friends, getting lost in good books, tackling puzzles with determination and delight, and spending cherished time with her grand dogs and extended family, including the precious children, Rhye, Sterling and Kelsie. 

The family would also like to extend their deepest thanks to Darlene’s two wonderful caregivers, who built meaningful, lasting relationships with her and provided exceptional care during the final two years of her life.

Darlene is survived by Charles Robertson (Larry Lowe) and Amy Robertson (Liz Sanders), who will forever carry forward her strength, humor, generosity, and capacity for friendship.

A memorial service will be held at Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 28th at 3pm. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow at Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church; 3541 Rose of Sharon Rd, Durham NC 27705. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Duke Hospice.

May the following prayer, one that brought her strength and clarity, offer comfort to all who loved her: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things I can; And the wisdom to know the difference.