February 9, 1934 - April 16, 2026

Darlene Joy (Lundgren) Brazell beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at the age of 92. Darlene was known for her devotion to faith and family, along with her creative and adventurous spirit.

Darlene was born February 9, 1934, in Spokane, Washington, the oldest of five daughters born to Edvard and Elma (Schell) Lundgren. After her family moved from Ritzville to Kennewick in 1944, she established roots that would last a lifetime. In 1952, she graduated from Kennewick High school. In 1954, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Alvin Brazell, and just six months later, they wed on August 3rd to begin their beautiful life together. Her adventurous spirit made their life full of interesting and crazy adventures. Together, they built an Amway business (first direct distributors in the state), started Brazell's Pet Shop (known by everyone as the zoo), bought and sold rentals, and farmed 1,400 acres. They worked hard and played hard. They spent their younger years boating on the Columbia River and Puget Sound and spent their retired years RV-ing the country, with several summers spent in Alaska. Darlene loved to travel. She transitioned from RV adventures with Alvin to cross-country and international trips with her sisters, since he preferred to stay grounded. After Alvin's passing in 2022, Darlene's adventurous soul never wavered; she famously marked her 90th birthday by skydiving at Lake Chelan. She also loved exploring new hobbies and teaching them to those around her. Darlene was a remarkably talented artist. She poured her soul into her creations and found her greatest joy in sharing them with friends and family. She also cherished the closeness built by playing games. She always infused the room with a playful spirit and a joyful competitive drive.

Darlene will be remembered for her strong spirit, welcoming heart, faith in God, love of family, genuine interest in people, and her adventurous, creative soul. She believed deeply in community and connection, and she leaves a legacy of resilience, generosity, and love in all those who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her son-David (Amy) Brazell, and their children Jacquelyne (Chris) Denison and great-grandson Benjamin Denison; Brandon (Kayla) Brazell and great-grandchildren Westin, Byrin, and Ellowin Brazell; Hayden Carrasco; Julia Carrasco; her late son-Craig's children Lucas Brazell, Cassandra (Jim) Kopriva and great-grandson Henry Kopriva, and Ashlynn Brazell and great-granddaughter Wynter Brazell Williams; her daughter-Victoria (John) Buss and grandchildren Dylan and Kylie Buss. She is also survived by her sisters Sherry (Steve) Lott and Sue (Bob) Knudson; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends whose lives she touched with kindness, humor, and warmth.

Darlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alvin, her son Craig, her sisters Joyce Lundgren and Donna Sabin; and David's first wife, Glenda O'Connor.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at West Highlands United Methodist Church, 17 South Union Street, Kennewick, WA.