Obituary of Aura Darlene Edwards Baird

Aura Darlene Edwards Baird, wife of John “Jack” Baird, passed peacefully on August 1, 2020, at their home in Lacey, Washington. 

Darlene was born on April 24, 1946, to Herbert and Bessie Edwards of Mill A, Washington.  Darlene graduated from Stevenson High School in 1964 and attended Central Washington University, where she met Jack.  They wed in 1966 and lived in Seattle and California before settling in Lacey in 1980.  Darlene brought color and vibrancy to everyone who knew her.  An avid crafter, she made many of the jewel-toned garments she wore.  As her hair turned to white, she experimented with dyeing it every shade of the rainbow, and as chemotherapy caused her to lose her hair, she embraced colorful wigs to show off her fun personality.  If her bright clothing and personality did not make an impact on you, her baked goods surely did! 

She devoted much of her life to helping others, with a particular focus on bettering life for girls around the world.  She volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Altrusa, South Sound Estuary Association, and Days for Girls.  Her involvement with Days for Girls led to a three-week-long trip to Tanzania in February 2020, where she met girls and women empowered by the project, and saw the cultural and natural wonders of the country.  Through her professional and personal interests, she met many people, young and old alike, who would become dear to her.  She enjoyed sharing her love for them through cookies, quilts, and other items handmade with love. 

Darlene is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Herbert Edwards.  She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, Jack; her daughter, Allison of Honolulu, Hawaii; her brother, Vern (Mary) Edwards of Redding, California, and their sons, Matt and Mike Edwards. 

To honor her spirit of giving with love, donations may be made to Days for Girls or the Girl Scouts; or simply perform a kind and generous deed in her name. 

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