HAVERHILL – Darlene (Woodbury) Shellene, 77, of Haverhill MA passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at Haverhill Rehabilitation and Healthcare, surrounded by loving family.
Born in Haverhill on November 3rd, 1947, she was the loving daughter of Eleanor (Woodbury) Thornhill. Darlene was a woman of unbridled enthusiasm and a passion for connecting with people. Her infectious laugh and wide smile welcomed all to gravitate towards her. A woman of uncanny ability to master new skills with ease either at work, selling real estate at King Davis, or learning mortgages with Haverhill Bank. She quickly learned and excelled at creating beautiful works of art in knitting, needlework, stained glass and Bunka. Darlene is pre-deceased by her husband of 24 years, Richard Shellene. She fortunately found companionship, happiness and adventure with her partner of 25 years, Christiaan Witteveld. They lived well, laughing and traveling the globe making lasting friendships due to Darlene’s warmth, huge hugs and refusal to let anyone sit alone. This simple gesture to connect with strangers and make everyone feel welcomed was a hallmark of Darlene. She felt life is better when people connect. With family and friends being the center of her world, she made it a point to host birthdays, holidays and even family reunions, which was no small feat given the size of the extended families. The family would like to thank the staff at Haverhill Rehabilitation and Healthcare for their support and tenderness during these past few months. It did not go unnoticed.
She will be lovingly missed by her partner Christiaan Witteveld, her son Richard Shellene and wife Monica, her daughter Elisabeth Chasse and husband James; Grandchildren Nathan and Hope Shellene, and Jonathan and Sarah Chasse; and Brothers-in-law Jody Shellene and husband Timothy Hartsfield; as well as by her brothers Dana Woodbury and wife Mary, Scott Woodbury and wife Rebecca, and sister Diana Glynn and husband Lucky, and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. Darlene was one of 8 siblings and was predeceased by brothers Tommy Woodbury, Richard Woodbury, Sisters Donna Blynn, and Linda Grubs.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, September 4th from 3PM until 5PM, followed by a funeral home chapel service at 5PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Darlene’s name to Cure Alzheimer’s fund. 100% of donations go directly to supporting their research programs. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.
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