Obituary of Agnes Darlene Stamatelatos Tooher

Darlene, also known as DJ or Dolly, wife of Clifford Tooher, went home to be with our Lord Jesus on January 4, 2024, after a long, hard-fought battle against Liver Disease due to Autoimmune hepatitis and Kidney failure.

Born October 8, 1963, Darlene was a ward of the state in the province of Quebec from birth until she aged out at 18 years of age.  She was loved and cared for by the Seagan family up until age 14, when her foster mother passed away, and she was cared for by another family up to age 16, then continued living with the son of her late foster mother, Stan Seagan.  

Darlene, or DJ, in her teenage years, became a member of the Greenfield Park Pentecostal Church youth group, Christ's Ambassadors and College and Careers.  She attended Centennial Regional High School in Greenfield Park, Quebec, and eventually went on to college training to become a full-time Child Educator at Vanier College in Quebec.

For more than 30 years and in 3 provinces, Darlene worked as an educator.  Her passion was for the toddler age group, as well as infants.  She also gravitated to children with special needs, often guiding parents through various challenges they and their children faced. Darlene also worked with school-aged children and had many adventures, especially on day trips during summertime with the pre-teens she worked with.

Darlene was an avid TV watcher.  Darlene was a fan of soap operas and shows such as Blue Bloods.She also liked reading mysteries and was a fan of true crime shows. Musically, she was drawn to New Country; artists like Leanne Rymes and the Dixie Chicks were among her favorites, along with Garth Brooks and others.  She also liked Gospel music as well.  And she was an avid collector of articles with snowmen on them, from figurines to other decorations and pictures.

Darlene was unique, a lady who held true to her values and often would stand her ground on an issue. She had a strong faith in Jesus and was a no-nonsense yet compassionate, loving, gentle woman who deeply cared for people, especially children. She could be rough around the edges at times but, deep down, beat the heart of a kind, loving human being.

Darlene leaves behind the following people.  

Her husband, Clifford Tooher

Sister-in-law Kathleen and husband Roger MacDonald.

Brother-in-law Randy Tooher

Nieces Miranda and Madison Day

Nephews Logan Day and Sean Beddard

Great Nephews Oliver and Anakin

Great Niece Norah

Her sisters 3, Karen Samuel, Shannon Godspeed, and Nancy M. Klassen.

Wendy Ridders, her forever friend, and her husband, Wim, Samantha, and Steven.

The Ramaglia Family, Debbie, Nancy, Patrick, Danik, and their respective children and other kin.

The Squires / Bryan family, Charlie, Rick, Linda, Tricia, and their respective children and other kin.

Special Friends

The Lajoie family

The Gibb family

The Snow Family

The Viennau Family

Mr. Eric Vautour

The Fry Family

The Peregrym Family

Mr. Peter Graobosky

Miss Anne Curry and brother Jim

And a host of many who were close to Dar.  You may not see your name here, but you were essential to her.

Last but not least.  A special thank you to the Hamilton Paramedics crews who came to aid Darlene and, in most cases, transported her to the hospital.  To the team at the Juravinski, Chedoke, and especially at the Hamilton General and the members of staff on 5W at the general, thank you for your valiant efforts to save her life.  Along with our family doctor and specialists, your teams did their level best, and it's greatly appreciated.

The family would also like to thank the team at Concentrix Hamilton for their support during this time.

To watch the Livestream of the Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 13th at 3 p.m., please CLICK HERE.