Critchlow, Darnell M.

Darnell M. Critchlow - age: 71
(October 13, 1944 to March 30, 2016 )
Resident of Penngrove, California

Obituary:
Darnell Mable Tuomala Critchlow “Grandma Nells,” 71, passed away peacefully with her husband of 53 years, Edmen D. Critchlow at her side holding her hand on March 30th 2016 at her home in Penngrove, California. Throughout her adult life Darnell fought through the pain she faced daily from rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, Darnell had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Darnell was born in Fort Bragg, California on October 13, 1944 to Vilho Henry Tuomala and Hazel Jane Sallinen Tuomala. Darnell was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Dewight, Lorena, Edward, Irene, Jackie and Dewayne Tuomala. Darnell has two surviving and loving sisters Connie Tuomala Matson and Toby Tuomala Daniels. Darnell’s two surviving daughters Sharri Critchlow Siegwarth and Joan Critchlow Morabito and their spouses, Bob Siegwarth and Dave Morabito. Grandma Nells adored her five grandchildren: Casey Siegwarth Kilian, Carly Siegwarth, Matthew Miskimon, Kyle Siegwarth, and Ashley Miskimon. Darnell will be missed by her brother in law, Fred Critchlow and sister in law, Joan Critchlow Bartalini along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Darnell met her husband of 53 years, Edmen Critchlow on the playground in kindergarten. At first, she had no interest and attempted to brush Edmen off, but through her grade school and high school years she ultimately married the love of her life on June 23, 1962 in Fort Bragg, CA. Within a year, she gave birth to her first daughter, Sharri and 18 months later, second daughter Joan. For the first 13 years of marriage, Darnell and Edmen raised their young family in Fort Bragg and then, in 1975 moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho. In 1984 they moved back to Fort Bragg, where Edmen pursued his commercial fishing profession until his retirement. Ultimately, they moved to Penngrove, CA.
Darnell’s passion was always for her family, particularly taking the children camping with all the aunts, uncles and cousins and waterskiing on Lake Shasta where she honeymooned with Edmen. Darnell also enjoyed snowmobiling, cooking, gardening, crocheting and in her early years, dancing. Darnell also excelled at baking and decorating wedding and birthday cakes. In North Idaho, Darnell raised teacup poodles, but her favorite pet of all was “Nala” who greeted her at heaven’s door with a glass of red wine.
Friends and family are all invited to “A celebration of Life and Potluck” will be held at: St Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church Fort Bragg, 201 E. Fir St in Fort Bragg, CA on Satruday, April 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm.