Lee Mackey Darst died peacefully on July 4, 2011 in the home she and her husband Earle shared on Penn Cove.

Lee was born on July 23, 1934, in Southern California. Prior to making beautiful homes and raising her three children in Seattle and Portland, Lee worked as a teacher in Korea, New York, California, Washington and Oregon. She later became a realtor in the Puget Sound area. While viewing property on Whidbey Island, Lee met Earle Darst and it was “love at first sight” for both of them. Lee settled into her dream home with the love of her life, on Penn Cove 11 years ago.

Lee lived life as a physically and mentally creative person and that of an optimist. She found beauty, joy and pleasure in everything and everyone. She had a smile that was infectious and an outstanding ability to inspire others to reach higher and farther than they ever would have otherwise. She had an amazing artistic way with people, flowers, plants, animals and situations. She will be enormously missed by the numerous close friends and family whose lives have been forever elevated, having had the gift of her abundant unconditional love. May we who carry her in our hearts remember to share her passion, hope and strength of character throughout our lives.

Graveside service will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville Saturday, July. Family and friends may sign an on line registry and leave notes and memories at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.