Dar

Darlene “Dar” McCray was born on August 31, 1957, sharing a birthday with my sister, an immediate sign we were destined to be like sisters from the moment we met. Dar was a passionate and outspoken advocate for the environment, marginalized people, and equality for all and someone I was also proud to stand side by side with, speaking out loudly against the current political climate.

In 2019, this truly splendid human being was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. In the years that followed, I watched her rise from my peer to a superhero, in the battle against this awful disease. We were all so optimistic and hopeful following her treatment, and she left the Bay Area, where she had lived since 1992, in 2021 to seek peace in the redwoods of Northern California.

We lost Dar on June 7, 2022, almost two years ago exactly. I miss her smile. I miss her texting me and asking me if I told off any Trumpers today? I miss talking about native plant species and ways to preserve the environment. I miss listening to her stories, walking in her garden, collecting old knick knacks from her. I just miss Dar and I think about her all the time. WWDD…what would Dar do? I ask myself this question on a regular basis. And I hope I am making her proud.

My next piece is entitled, “Dar.” Her favorite color was purple, so the background glass is a gorgeous pink and purple swirled hand blown piece of Fremont Antique Glass. To recreate her flower headband in the original picture, I used reclaimed chandelier crystals and she is wearing a gorgeous pear shaped chandelier crystal jewel around her neck. True to her hippy style, she is wearing iridescent glasses and a groovy fabric for her shirt. Her face has purple dichroic glitter and little flowers, purple pressed flowers and the words, “There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and make life a little better…”

Darlene Marie McCray

August 31, 1957 - June 7, 2022

Always remembered.

Always with love.