Darlene Rose Vanderhoff

Darlene Rose (Daniels) Vanderhoff, 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.

Darlene was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y. on May 11, 1952, to Alice Gibson (Noble) Daniels and Ernest Oscar Daniels. As a child, she loved school plays, the French club, sunny days at the City beach with her sisters and brother, fishing, camping, and summers with her relatives in Canada. She graduated from Peru Central School in 1970 and from the Champlain Valley Physicians’ Hospital Laboratory Technology program in 1972. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, James Leo Vanderhoff, of Peru. They had two daughters, Holly Vanderhoff, of Manlius, NY, and Katy Magnuson, of Fairfax, VT. Darlene worked for many years as a laboratory technician and medical secretary before finding her calling as a guide and companion to people with special needs.

Following James’s unexpected death in 2006, Darlene focused on spending time with her daughters, four grandsons, family and friends. In 2016 she met the second great love of her life, Donald Buhr, with whom she lived for several years. She was active in her church community and the VFW, enjoyed camping and nature walks, and loved to travel. Darlene rarely lost a game of Uno, began her “days-to-Christmas” countdown at 364, and was always up for a party, dinner out, or cookie break.

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

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

She is survived by her daughters, Holly (Michael) Vanderhoff 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.

Per Darlene’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A celebration of life for close family and friends, followed by burial of her ashes at St. Peter’s cemetery, will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Christmas Bureau of Clinton County or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.