Darlene Shambow, age 87, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Mahnomen Health Center.

Darlene A Perrault, the daughter of Romaine and Nora (Saice) Perrault, was born on February 3, 1931, in White Earth, MN.  She spent most of her childhood in Mahnomen where she attended school.  On July 26, 1947, Darlene was united in marriage to Marvin Shambow.  The couple made their first home in Beaulieu, MN, and started a family.  In 1950, following Marvin's job, they moved to the Iron Range in northern Minnesota.  Over the years, Darlene and Marvin's family grew as they were blessed with 11 children.  As soon as her children were school age, Darlene entered the workforce.  She worked for a time at the Arrow Shirt Factory followed by many years of employment at the local hospital.  In the early 1980's, they moved back to the Mahnomen area and Darlene began a career in home health.  She later attended the technical college in Detroit Lakes, MN, where she studied culinary arts.  Darlene was employed at the Shooting Star Casino Traditions Buffet until her official retirement.  However, she enjoyed working so much that she went back to work at the casino on several occasions, even during her retirement years.  Darlene moved into Mahnomen, where she has made her home with her son, following her husband's death in 1996.

Darlene loved to be around family.  She cherished her grandchildren and all her nieces and nephews.  She could often be found in the kitchen making and sharing homemade breads and treats with her loved ones.  Darlene was an avid reader with a collection of her own books in addition to reading nearly everything at the local library.  She especially loved history novels and autobiographys.  Darlene also enjoyed music and made many wonderful memories attending various concerts and simply singing in the kitchen with family.  She will be greatly missed by many.

Darlene is survived by five sons: Marvin of Mahnomen, Leonard of Chetek, WI, Michael of Mahnomen, Gary of Eveleth, MN, and Dennis of Mahnomen; two daughters, Donna (Bill) Eck of Waubun, MN, and Margaret (Jim) Myhre also of Mahnomen; 25 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; an infant son, Dean; three daughters: Barbara, Dorothy, and Lenora; one grandson, Preston; a great-great-granddaughter, Emberly; six sisters and one brother.

Blessed be the memory of Darlene Shambow.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018, from 5:00-7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.