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AROUND TOWNAROUND TOWN

Mountain Views News Saturday, June 21, 2025

REMEMBRANCE

Attendance is Free. Register Today! 
CANCERSUPPORTSGV.ORG 
REGISTER HEREState of the Art Lecture on the Surgical Management of 
urinary incontinence after prostate treatment.
June 30, 2025 
1:00 - 2:00 PM331 W. Sierra Madre BlvdSierra Madre, CA 91024DR. HUMBERTO 
VILLARREAL, M.D., M.S.C.I.
City of Hope Urologic Surgeon 
MANAGEMENT OF 
INCONTINENCE AFTER 
PROSTATE TREATMENT
Attendance is Free. Register Today! 
CANCERSUPPORTSGV.ORG 
REGISTER HEREState of the Art Lecture on the Surgical Management of 
urinary incontinence after prostate treatment.
June 30, 2025 
1:00 - 2:00 PM331 W. Sierra Madre BlvdSierra Madre, CA 91024DR. HUMBERTO 
VILLARREAL, M.D., M.S.C.I.
City of Hope Urologic Surgeon 
MANAGEMENT OF 
INCONTINENCE AFTER 
PROSTATE TREATMENT
Attendance is Free. Register Today! 
CANCERSUPPORTSGV.ORG 
REGISTER HEREState of the Art Lecture on the Surgical Management of 
urinary incontinence after prostate treatment.
June 30, 2025 
1:00 - 2:00 PM331 W. Sierra Madre BlvdSierra Madre, CA 91024DR. HUMBERTO 
VILLARREAL, M.D., M.S.C.I.
City of Hope Urologic Surgeon 
MANAGEMENT OF 
INCONTINENCE AFTER 
PROSTATE TREATMENT
DARLENE MARIE CROOK

OCTOBER 2, 1939 - NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Darlene Marie Crook, 85, of Sierra Madre, 
passed away on November 8, 2024, as a result 
of complications from her esophageal cancer. 
Darlene was born at Huntington Hospital in 
Pasadena on October 2, 1939, to Lucille and 
Stanley Dixon. She was later adopted by her 
stepfather, Tom Scholl, who helped raise her 
along with her two much younger brothers, 
Tom and Rick. She learned early on how she 
could make money by singing and dancing in 
a neighborhood barber shop for the patrons. 
Out of necessity, she also learned to cook, helping 
support the household while her parents 
worked. She was a loving and supportive older 
sister, always there for her brothers throughout 
their upbringing.

 Darlene grew up in Duarte and graduated Summa 
Cum Laude from Monrovia High School. 
She continued her education at Pasadena City College, where she met her future husband, 
Richard Crook, in geology class. They married on December 4, 1959, a simple ceremony with 
family. They lived in Monterey Park, with their first two children, Rich and Cathy. It was there 
they also met their lifelong best friends, Linda and Larry Beckstead, by inviting them over for 
a spaghetti dinner. After having their third child, Shawna, they moved to Sierra Madre, settling 
on Sunnyside Avenue in the home that remains the heart of the family. There, they welcomed 
their two youngest daughters, Marnie and Lisa.

 Darlene was an incredible, hands-on mother to her five children—and to many of 
their friends who were lucky enough to experience her care. She volunteered in classrooms, 
led Camp Fire Girls, coached softball teams, and was the beloved team mom 
to many of the baseball and soccer teams. She even led singalongs for team parties at 
Shakey’s Pizza. Singing and performing were part of her essence. She performed in Sierra 
Madre School's annual "Extravaganza" productions and later joined the Sweet Adelines 
chorus, performing in competitions with a radiant smile that lit up every stage. 
Many of her closest friendships were formed and sustained through these shared passions. 
Her friendships were a vital part of her life. An annual Carpinteria Beach moms and kids 
camping trip included a long list of fun in the sun adventures with those friends. 

 She was always smiling, believing that a simple smile could brighten someone’s day. That 
philosophy guided how she moved through the world—with warmth, generosity, and an open 
heart.

 Once her children were grown, Darlene launched her own catering company. Known for her 
delicious, creative meals, she catered weddings and events throughout the area. Her culinary 
talents continued to delight friends and family for the rest of her life. 

She also had a deep love of the outdoors, a passion she shared with Richard and passed down 
to their children. Each year, they traveled to the Eastern Sierra Mountains and camped along 
the banks of Green Creek, spending days fishing, hiking, and enjoying nature. Even in the 
wilderness, Darlene brought her gourmet cooking skills, creating campfire meals that drew 
amazed and grateful guests. A highlight to these trips were the evenings spent sitting around 
the campfire with Darlene leading the campfire songs.

 Her passion for nature led her to become a docent at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, where 
she educated Los Angeles County inner-city children about local plants and animals and the 
importance of the native habitats. Darlene also gave her time to many community organizations, 
including Reading Is Fundamental, Meals on Wheels, Friends of Sierra Madre Library, 
the Civic Club, and more.

 She had a love for sports and the arts. She was a true blue Dodgers fan, attending many games, 
and she also thoroughly enjoyed going to plays and musical productions whenever she could.

 Family was everything to her. Richard was the love of her life. She knew from the beginning 
of their relationship that she was going to spend the rest of her life with him—and she did. 
Sixty-five years together, through thick and thin, as they say. She and Richard agreed that they 
wanted a large family and they successfully accomplished this wish by having five children 
within eight years. Her children have always been close, choosing to spend their vacations together, 
as well as holidays and birthdays. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed 
the same closeness and joy in spending time with her fun-loving spirit. To all her family 
she was a constant source of love and support, and made each of them feel uniquely cherished.

 Darlene built strong, lasting relationships with everyone she met. She had a magnetic energy, 
an infectious laugh, and a kindness that made everyone feel welcome. She didn’t take herself 
too seriously—often the first to poke fun at herself—but she carried herself with quiet confidence 
and deep conviction. She lived by simple yet profound mantras: “Treat others as you 
want to be treated,” and “Give others the benefit of the doubt.”

 Her positivity was contagious, her perseverance effortless, her loyalty unwavering, and her 
love unconditional.

 She leaves behind a legacy of joy, service, and deep connection. Her memory lives on in all 
who knew her and were fortunate enough to be loved by her.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com