Darlene Rose Vanderhoff

Darlene Rose (Daniels) Vanderho, cherished mother, nana, partner, sister, and friend, died on March 12, 2026, at Meadowbrook Nursing Home, following a long illness. She was surrounded by her closest loved ones.

Born in Plattsburgh, New York, on May 11, 1952, to Alice Gibson (Noble) Daniels and Ernest Oscar Daniels, Darlene grew up with a joyful spirit. She delighted in school plays, the French club, sunny days at the City beach with her siblings, fishing, camping, and summers spent with relatives in Canada. She graduated from Peru Central School in 1970 and completed the Champlain Valley Physicians’ Hospital Laboratory Technology program in 1972. That same year she married her high school sweetheart, James Leo Vanderho of Peru. Together they raised two daughters, Holly Vanderho of Manlius, New York, and Katy Magnuson of Fairfax, Vermont. Darlene worked for many years as a laboratory technician and medical secretary before discovering her true calling as a guide and companion to people with special needs.

After James’s unexpected death in 2006, Darlene devoted herself to her daughters, four grandsons, and extended family and friends. In 2016 she found the second great love of her life, Donald Buhr, with whom she shared several happy years. She remained active in her church community and the VFW, enjoyed camping and nature walks, and loved to travel. She rarely lost a game of Uno, began her “days-to-Christmas” countdown at 364, and was always ready for a party, dinner out, or a cookie break.

Darlene radiated optimism, acceptance, and open-hearted love. Even through years of health challenges, she never lost her sense of wonder, her concern for others, or her ability to find pleasure in life’s small moments. She lived by the conviction that following one’s heart leads to happiness and peace. She gave her trust and support freely and earned the respect and affection of even the hardest hearts. She was a rare soul who will be deeply missed.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband James, and her brother Terrance W. Daniels.

Darlene is survived by her daughters, Holly (Michael) Vanderho and Katy (Kyle) Magnuson; grandsons Taylor Clark, Samuel Dupras, Gage Magnuson, and Gabriel Dupras; partner Donald Buhr; sisters Theresa (John) Wells and Nancy (Paul) Maguire; sister-in-spirit Marion Daniels; and many other cherished sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.