Darlene Salminen

Darlene Ann Salminen, 69, of Huddleston, VA, passed away on October 2, 2024 after a month-long battle to recover from complications after a stroke.

Darlene was born on June 28th, 1955 to Edward and Joan L’Heureux in Southbridge, MA.

In 1976, Darlene met Michael Salminen when they both worked at Elder Home Care in Worcester, MA. Darlene and Michael married on August 28th, 1977, and they went on to have two beloved daughters, Nordica and Keturah. Darlene and Michael shared 47 years of adventure, traversing the country from coast to coast, and meeting some wonderful people.

Darlene spent the majority of her life immersed in her greatest passions, breeding and showing Dassalhaus Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and raising and training Wits End Ranch Tiger Horses and Appaloosas, as well as being a talented dog groomer, and entrepreneur who managed her own shop and farm. She also shared those passions with her daughters, who spent many years showing dogs and horses with her.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Joan. She is survived by her husband Michael, her daughter Nordica Burns (Dennis) and three grandsons, Corbin, Dennis, and Aaron Burns, her daughter Keturah Salminen (Damian), her brother Edward L’Heureux (Kim), her sister Maureen Lorenzen (Gregg), her brother Carl L’Heureux (Elina), her aunt Barbara Bouthillier, her nieces and nephews, several cousins, and a host of wonderful longtime friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Wirtz, VA at a time and date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hurricane Helene recovery effort.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.