DARLENE LAVERNE AVERY (NÉE POTTER)
June 8, 1935 - September 2, 2026
OBITUARY
Darlene Avery passed away peacefully at Lodi Memorial Hospital on September 2, 2026.
Darlene was born June 8, 1935 in Visalia, Ca to Albert and Ruth Potter. She was the youngest of
four girls.
After high school Darlene attended Saint Luke’s School of Nursing in San Francisco. She graduated in 1956 with an Associate’s Degree in nursing. A little later in life Darlene went back to school and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. She attributed her desire to becoming a nurse to losing her mother when she was just 16.
Darlene moved back to Visalia and got a job as a nurse at Dr. John Castiglione’s pediatric practice. In the midst of starting her career, Darlene managed to find the time to go on a blind date with Glenn Avery. She must have known that she had met the love of her life because they were married six months later in Las Vegas. 11 months later Glenn and Darlene welcomed their son, Michael.
In 1962 Glenn’s job brought them to Lodi, where they’d settle and raise their family. In June of 1964 Glenn and Darlene had their daughter, Diane. Darlene stepped away from nursing to raise her children.
Darlene managed to stay busy during this time by becoming the first Parent’s Club president at Vinewood Elementary and joining the Lodi Democrats Club. She eventually served as president of the Lodi Democrats Club and often organized ‘Candidate Forums’ for many local politicians running for office. Darlene also served on the Board for the Lodi Public Library, where her name can be found on a plaque at the entrance. In 1974 Darlene and Glenn opened House of Coffees. She enjoyed this venture and loved having a business in this community, but something was missing; nursing.
In 1976 Darlene returned to nursing, becoming Dr. Ken Mullen’s first RN in his budding family practice. In 1977 she took a nursing job at Lodi Memorial Hospital, where she stayed for 15 years. In her tenure at the hospital Darlene worked her way up to Director of Nurses in the Medical/ Surgical units. She retired in 1992.
After retirement Darlene found herself volunteering in the community. Darlene counseled abused women at the Lodi Women’s Center, she gave injections at the Salvation Army, joined organizations like The Breakthrough Project, United Methodist Women and American Association of University Women (AAUW). In 2003 Darlene received the San Joaquin County Susan B. Anthony Award to honor her significant community contributions. In 2004
Darlene served as president of AAUW and organized the ‘Sister-to-Sister’ summit for middle school aged girls that focused on building self-esteem while encouraging girls to explore science, technology and math. Even through all her volunteering, Darlene and Glenn managed to travel the world and serve as the primary daycare providers for their granddaughters Brittney and Kate.
Darlene is survived by her husband of 68 years, Glenn Avery, son Michael Avery, daughter Diane Avery-Kaufman, granddaughters Brittney Kaufman (Christy) and Kate Hanson (Brennan). As well as her beloved dog Cordelia and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Albert Potter, sisters Lois McAlpine (Edward), Edythe Owen (Roy) and Ethelyn Potter.
The family would like to thank the amazing nurses and doctors at Lodi Memorial Hospital and Hospice of San Joaquin County.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Avery family.
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