Obituaries

Darlene K. Hodgen, 55

Darlene K. Hodgen, 55, of Mountvillle, a devoted wife and mother, died on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was born in Lancaster to Glenn R. and Cora (Mull) Houpt, of Lancaster.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Kenneth L. Hodgen, Jr. and a daughter, Erin N. Hodgen, both of Mountville.

Darlene was a Permit Clerk for the City of Lancaster. She was a dedicated City employee for 34 years working in City Hall with many Mayors.

She graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1974. Darlene was a member of the American Legion Auxillary Post #34.

She enjoyed vacations to Ocean City Maryland, flowers, relaxing in the backyard on her patio watching birds, and spending time with her daughter, Erin.

Surviving in addition to her parents, husband, and daughter, is a sister, Judy L. Felsinger, of Virginia Beach.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 7:30pm from the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA with The Rev. Roseann Goldberg officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 6-7:30pm at Snyder’s. Interment will be held the next morning, Tuesday at 10am in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Darlene’s memory to American Heart Association 610 Community Way Lancaster, PA 17603. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661

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Kenny and Erin I am truly sorry for your loss, I loved Darlene like a sister and I will truly miss her we had some really fun times together. Good bye Darlene know that you are loved
 Mary Anne Behn

ken,i am so sorry for your loss.i will keep you and your daughter in my prayers.

john havrilla.

Kenny & Erin,

I am at a loss for words..I am so sorry I was not able to attend the service, but I was out of town.. I am so glad that I had an opportunity to know Darlene as a co-worker and friend and visit with her at the hospital.  She was the kindest and sweetest person anyone could know..Always there for others…Erin…your Mom always talked about you and the things you two did.. You were her best friend and she will watch over you..Kenny…she always looked forward to your phone calls at work…I will miss a great lady and friend…My prayers are with you both..Anything that you need, please do not hesitate to call me..It was my pleasure to know Darlene…I will miss her

Walt Siderio

Dear Mr. Hodgen and family,
I work for Rohrer’s One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Company and met Darlene via telephone regarding permits for equipment we installed in the city.  She was always so kind, in spite of the fact that I frequently made errors determing the permit cost.  Our driver would return to the office and tell me the check was wrong and to call Darlene, which I did and we both laughed that I "goofed" again.  She was always so patient in explaining the pricing to me.

Needless to say, I was shocked when our driver returned from a trip to City Hall this week and told me of Darlene’s passing.  I could hardly believe it!  I will miss her greatly even though we never actually met in person.

May you find joy and comfort in your memories and remember that she will always be alive in your hearts.

Janice Sherick

DARLENE LIVES IN YOUR HEART!
May tender memories
Soften your grief,
May fond recollection
Bring you relief,
And may you find comfort
And peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing
Sweet Darlene brought–
For time and space
Can never divide
Or keep Darlene
From your side
When memory paints
In colors true
The happy hours
That belonged to you.

My Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy
Lancaster City Housing
Nelson Peters

Ken, Erin, Mom, Glenn, and Judy
   My sincerest sympathies to you all. Darlene was one of the warmest, kindest, and sincere people I ever met. Working with Darlene made coming in to work every day a pleasure. I’m sure you all realize that she was far more than just a co-worker to me. She was my friend or more accurately she was like the little sister I never had but always wanted. She was my confidant, I could always count on Darlene to cover my back when I needed it. I always tried to do the same for her. It’s what brothers and sisters do for each other. To say I’ll miss her is an understatement. I feel fortunate to have known her as well as I did and I thank God for every day I shared with her. I’ll always be there for all of you too. If you need something that I can help with, I’m only a phone call away. Again, my deepest sympathy.
Bill

Hello,  My name is Eileen Bauer and I work for the City Health Department.  I remember when I first started working for the city 12 years ago, Darlene made me feel welcome, and as the years passed, we began to work closely as our jobs connected.  She never complained, and when I would show up at City Hall, I was greeted with that great smile.   I am so glad I was able to go up to sign off on some plans right before, and we spent almost an hour, as she told me all about Erin’s birthday cake.  We laughed about it, and I said that would be a great memory.  I will miss her.  May you all find the strength to go on and remember the good times. 
Eileen

Dear Mr. Hodgen, Erin and extended Family,

Sorry for your loss. Darlene was such a wonderful lady. She was the glue that held everything together here at work. Her smile and caring personality made all feel welcome immediately upon her greeting.

Erin, your mother loved you so very much. Not a day went by without me overhearing your mother talking about you. Whether it was about softball, school, or boys she was always talking about her pride and joy, her Erin.

If there is anything I can do for you Ken or Erin please don’t hesitate to ask.

I will miss Darlene very much. So many people are devastated of the loss of Darlene. It’s hard to believe. She was truly a remarkable lady. Call us for anything!

Sincerely
Darren Parmer

Ken, Erin and Family, my thoughts were on Darlene on and off all day long Sunday,my prayers are with all who grieve for Darlene. God Bless All. 

LRS Electric—-Louis Matters an old neighbor

Kenny and Erin. 
I am so sorry for your loss.  You’ve truly been blessed with a wonderful soulmate and mother if only for a short time. During your grief try to remember all the joy she has given you both. 
Love to you both,
Linda Fierstein.

Erin and Ken, we are so saddened for the loss of your Mom and Wife, Darlene. She was a wonderful woman, and we will miss her.  She will live forever in your hearts through memories. The love you shared will always be part of you, for love itself lives on. We pray the happy memories will help you find a smile during this difficult time.  We are always here if you need us for anything.

Dixie and Thom Colson

In our day to day lives we all have many contacts both personal and professional.  When someone treats you with a smile and courtesy it stands out.  As a local contractor, I had many time over the past 20 plus years to contact and meet with Darlene concerning permits for demoliiton work. Darlene was always so pleasant to deal with, took her time no matter how full her desk was (and it always was) or how often her phone rang.
It was with great sadness, for me, as I know it must be for you, to hear of her passing.  I will miss her. I will remember her.  My thoughts are with you and your family. 
Jim Mellinger Eden Contracting

Ken and Erin,
We want to give our deepest condolences to you, she will be so deeply missed in our hearts. No words in the world can express our sorrow and how much we will miss her in our lives. Darlene was a very special woman and friend to us. She lightened up the room with her presence and smile. She was such a gentle and caring, friend, mother, and wife. You don’t meet many people like Darla in your life. I feel very fortunate to have met her. We always looked forward to seeing her walk in the gate with you and Erin at the end of the week and sitting down and catching up on things,laughing, and playing with Erin and all her new endeavors. I always enjoyed watching her interaction with Erin and how they played around with each other and made each other laugh. She made a huge difference in Bob and my life. I will always think of her, and carry her in our hearts and smile every time I think of her. If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask, and stop by.
In our hearts,
Bob and Terry Nolt

Ken & Erin, I am so very sorry for your loss!  Kenny, I was just thinking about you and Darlene on Monday.  All the fun we had at our house when I was married to Dick.  You are more than welcome to contact me @ melodyhnry@yahoo.com.  I’m also on facebook.  May your heart revel in your happiness together, rather than the sorrow experienced at this time.  Celebrate her life and your many years together, as time is the only thing that will help with your sorrow. 
Melody L. Librandi (Stokes)

Ken and Erin
My heart is sad . Darlene was a special lady and friend.I have many fond memories. I’m sorry for your lost.
Darwin

Hey buddy sorry for your loss. what a shocker.thoughts and prayers with you and your daughter.

Steve Osborne

Sincere sympathy to the family. 
I did not know Darlene but my mother, Mildred Cathey, was a friend of Cora’s and I did know Judy from the quarterhorse shows.
Keep Darlene close in heart with warm memories.
Toby Cathey Stanley

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