Waureen L. Darilek

Waureen L. “Donnie” Darilek, 61, died suddenly Jan. 2, 2011, at her home with her loving husband, Stephen, at her side.

Memorial services are at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15 at Meadow Lakes Baptist Church, located a quarter mile down Pittman Road on the right off the Parks Highway.

Waureen was born March 3, 1949, in Dalhart, Texas, where she was also raised. She moved to Anchorage in 1990 and to the Mat-Su Valley in 1995.

Donnie was very dedicated to her family, friends and her community. She loved hunting, gardening, fishing, gold panning and community theater. But most of all, she loved to get involved in charities. She was the inspiration for the Mat-Su Valley Moose Federation.

“She was loved by all who knew her because of her desire to help those who were in need,” her family wrote. “She was loved by children and had a special way with animals. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.”

She kept herself busy with various business enterprises, including her own dog grooming business, which she called Canine Design.

Preceding her in death were her sons Tevon and Davin. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Darilek; daughter, Melanie Devlin of Baltimore, Md.; grandsons, Jeramy Devlin, who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Services, and Jonathan Friedman and Cory Friedman, both of Des Moines, Iowa; and her loving dogs, Misty, Tessa and Mini-Me.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Moose Calves at P.O. Box 110741 Anchorage, AK 99511

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.