Shirley Ann (Henley) Darbee

Retiree Shirley Ann (Henley) Darbee of Livermore died March 13 after a long illness.

A native Caifornian, Darbee was raised in San Leandro and was a longtime resident of Livermore. During her 25-year Laboratory career, she worked in Storage and Disposal, Business Services and the National Ignition Facility, retiring in 2004.

Darbee loved to travel with her husband, seeking adventure wherever the road would lead. She found great joy in spending time with her family, especially during the holidays.

Friends and family will long remember Darbee for her courage and strength in battling two types of cancer before succumbing to a third. She also will be remembered as a deeply loving and caring person who loved life and was passionate about music, especially the Beatles. Family and friends also will remember her generosity, giving even if she had little to give.

She is survived by her husband, Rockwell Darbee; children, Douglas (Della) Burruss, Richard Swinson III, (Priscilla) Burruss, Jennifer (Mariano) Casado of Livermore and grandchildren, Brianna (Amanda Burnham), Dillon, Amanda, Andrew and Shay Burruss, Austin Salazar, Preston and Darbee Sherman; sister, Donna Kelsey; as well as her two dogs, Chiquito and Lola.

Darbee was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Maudie Henley; brothers, Donald Floyd and Billy Ray Henley; sisters, Reba Jo Richards and Betty Sue Carrolyn.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 17, at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton. A private graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens in Livermore.