Obituaries
Mary Jane Darrenkamp, 93
June 09, 2024
Mary Jane Darrenkamp, 93, of Willow Valley, formerly of Lancaster, died peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024. She was born in East Petersburg and was the daughter to the late Sam and Lynn (Eshelman) Powl.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband Gerald “Jerry” G. Darrenkamp in 2011. Hand in hand for 59 years they were an unwavering team, and created a legacy that would touch the lives of many for years to come.
Jane was a long-time member of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church in Quarryville.
She graduated high school in 1948 from Drumore School which became Solanco. After high school, she graduated from Lancaster General School of Nursing earning her RN in 1951. She worked at LGH, and several practices before doing private duty for family and friends.
Jane’s next chapters in life displayed her faithful love of her family and all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. A woman of determination and loyalty, she took on the role of bookkeeper for her family’s grocery stores, Darrenkamp’s Food Markets. While mastering this role, she also raised and led her family in the spirit of togetherness. Jane was a true example of joy and displayed unwavering support and kindness to all. She was the life of the stores, everyone from customers, employees and vendors felt the light of her presence. Everyone just lifted when Jane was there. Jane had an uncommon ability to truly connect with everyone she encountered, she made everyone feel like family. Her energy and genuine love of people was a natural feeling she shared. Very simply, she had the gift to make everyone in her presence feel special. At various activities she could be heard saying proudly “whose kid is that?” As she would cheer them on.
Throughout her lifetime she created many long-lasting friendships. Her family honored her by naming the stores cafes after her, Jane’s Café. Jane’s Café was a gathering place where many customers, her nurse group, as well as family joined in sharing stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Jane is survived by four children, Larry P. Darrenkamp, companion of Jennifer Hazzard, of Conowingo, MD, David J. Darrenkamp, husband of Sharon, Lynn A. Boyer, wife of John, Joseph M. Darrenkamp, husband of Karen, all of Lancaster, grandchildren, Jared Darrenkamp, Jenna Spangler, Jordan, Ryan, Eric, Ian Darrenkamp, Jayne Wenig, Whitney Bodine, Katelyn Boyer and Peter Darrenkamp, great grandchildren, Wyatt, Harrison, Marshall, AJ, Leisel, George, Simon, William, Henry, Eloise, Gwendolyn, Bowe, Donna, Adair, Saylor, Taytum, and Peyton. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Rev. James Powl and Robert Powl.
Jane’s viewing, funeral service and interment will be held privately at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home – Willow Street and Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church.
The family wishes to thank everyone for the care and support of Jane especially the nurses and caregivers at The Glen @ Willow Valley and also Caring Hospice Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s memory to the Alzheimers Foundation of America 322 8th Avenue 16th Floor New York, NY 10001 (checks may be made payable to “Alzheimer’s Foundation of America”) or A Week Away 941 Wheatland Ave. Suite B-1 Lancaster, PA 17603.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
July 06, 2024
Jared & Jess – Sending our deepest sympathies – The Carr Family
July 03, 2024
Most of the family is together, playing cards,
and sharing time.
we will sit with them again.
love you all!
Dwight graybill
July 03, 2024
Larry,Dave and Joe, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. You have an amazing family and have had an amazing life. Count all those blessings and hang onto those great memories. Know that we are all praying for you.
Pauline and Mike Polaski
July 03, 2024
To the Darrenkamp Family, You have our deepest sympathy, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You have an amazing family and it started with your parents. We are honored to have known you all.
Ray and Pat Pabon and family.
June 24, 2024
Great Mom ! Great All American Family- The Best – Gunzie Family
June 22, 2024
Joe, Larry Dave, my condolences to you in the loss of you mom. Your family was always very nice to me from the time I worked for your business and afterwards. Your parents truly did a wonderful job at setting a good example and you continue that very well. Sorry for your loss. Jim kellenberger
June 21, 2024
I worked for Darrenkamps for 8 years. It was always a pleasure to be around Mr. and Mrs. Darrenkamp. The family was very close and caring. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Julie Blome
June 21, 2024
Life is a gift and Mrs. Darrenkamp was a blessing in my life. Loved the video tribute…lifetime of memories with family, community and friends.
Joe and Julie Harriger (AKA Joe H)
June 19, 2024
Our sincere condolences go out to you Lynn, you were the type of daughter every mother wishes for. You amazing love and compassion for your mother goes beyond words. She was such a sweet lady with a beautiful smile for everyone at Darrenkamps. You two made beautiful memories right up to the end. God Bless you Lynn❤️
Cindy/ Mike McCarty
June 18, 2024
To Larry from your cousin Sally. Sending all my love and tear drops. There’s an emptiness in the world today. Jane is so loved…so missed.
Sara E Brendel
June 18, 2024
Jane was a force of nature. Full of life and love and kindness and humor. There was such a warm glow that surrounded her wherever she went and enveloped those around her. Jane’s parents, Lynn and Sam were the kindest, most loving couple I have ever known and somehow that flame was passed to each and every one of their children and generations beyond. It was a joy to be around. She leaves a deep hole that it will take a whole lot of us to try to fill. I have to stop, my keyboard is getting wet . . . .
Mike Eshleman
June 18, 2024
My Condolences to Larry, Dave, Lynn and Joe…Even though I did know her well, She was always very friendly, like a mother to everyone, missed her at Darrencamps in Mount Joy, like I miss all all of you! Hugs to all of you. Thinking of all of you during this time.
Jo Ann Barton
June 17, 2024
Larry, Dave, Joe and Lynn,
You all are in my deepest thoughts right now. Jane was a wonderful person and always put a smile on my face. I remember the times when we needed something at Mt Joy from another store and needed it ASAP….Larry would be like ” I’ll call mom”, and within no time I would be out the back of the store unloading it right from her Cadillac . She would hook me up with Sandtart cookie dough when they would be slicing the cookies….She was awesome to be around. … Now the Turkey and the Big Cheese are together again up in heaven.
Loved Working for you and with everyone in the family!!!
Michael Biechler
June 17, 2024
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Darrenkamp family. May you feel God’s comfort, peace and love, and I will miss seeing her at Willow Valley. With Love, Sandy Heisey
June 17, 2024
Mrs. Darrenkamp was my second Mom growing up in Chestnut Hill. Whether it was playing cards, telling jokes / stories or providing advice, Mrs. D always took the time to interact with me and her children’s many friends. She was a very special lady and it wasn’t until many years had passed that I fully realized just how special she was. She will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of meeting and spending time with her. … but I will always remember her with a smile as the memories I have of Mrs. D and her family are simply some of the best in my long, memory filled life.
Steve Becker
June 17, 2024
My sincere condolences to Jane’s Beloved Family and Friends; to all whom had the honor and pleasure of meeting this dear beautiful, kind, gentle, loving Soul. Jane and I go way back to our cabbage hill days while shopping at,” Darnie’s” on Union. She gave to me so much hope and great inspiration to truly believe in myself and I treasure this with all my heart; because, She believed in me. Her memory shall forever be treasured by myself as She truly touched my life and heart, just by simply being Herself and Caring. I shall say my rosaries for Jane and Her beautiful Family,( for strenght and coping, during Her sad passing) as to whom were all very loving to me and so loyal and courteous. I always felt like Family with all The Darenkamp Family. Forever Etched in my heart. She was a Legend in my eyes;such a Great Inspiration to all who came in contact with Her. I will never forget Jane’s Hugs to me; in knowing, I, myself was going through trials and tribulations. That meant so very much to me. I felt so happy and at great peace after being in Her Presence; felt safe; A true Motherly love’s Care. R.I.P. Dear Lady, as I know,You are safely in Jesus’s loving arms.Jane was a Blessed Child And Woman Of God. Safely In Heaven. My love, Peace and Great comfort to All. Blessings, Robyn Kirchner- Wolf (Author/ Recording Artist/ Poet/Business Woman)
June 17, 2024
Deepest Condolences to Jane’s family & friends~
Kegel’s Produce
June 15, 2024
It has been said that God does not call someone home to Heaven until He has finished using them for His purposes in this life. God used my Mother in Law for 93 years and in that time He had great impact thru Jane! I am so thankful for our many experiences and memories together! What a beautiful woman and soul she was. Thankful she is now with Jesus & Jerry and many other loved ones. May you enjoy your heavenly reward for eternity until we are together again. I will always love & admire you!
your son in law,
John
June 15, 2024
I was blessed to have you for my Mom & Best friend. I thank God for you and our many memories together every day. I miss you already BUT i will think of you and smile. I am thankful you are in Heaven now and I will be reunited someday with Jesus, you & Dad and all our loved ones. Thanks for everything Mom!! Love Always, Lynn
June 15, 2024
Your son-in-law used to tell me such wonderful stories about you and I’m so glad I got to know you through him and now you are finally at peace with the Lord
