Darleen Louise Andresen's Obituary
Darleen Louise Andresen (80) passed peacefully October 27, 2023, in her Deltona
home, with family at her side. She had accepted her cancer diagnosis with dignity and
strength after, “a good life.”
Born in Washington D.C., Darleen lived in and around Camp Springs, Maryland for most
of her life, only selling her home there in 2019. She graduated from Surrattsville High
School in 1961 and immediately attended and graduated beauty school.
Working from home while raising two children with her husband, Compton Burgess, she
later transitioned into bookkeeping for the growing businesses they owned. Together,
they shared many amazing accomplishments. Most notably, they bought and operated
A.P. Burgess Electrical Contractors (‘67), designed and built a custom home in Camp
Springs, Maryland (‘75), started a lighting showroom and electrical supply company, Lite
House, LTD. (‘76) and designed and built a shopping center, Old Branch Crossing (‘88).
Still, Darleen found time to host family gatherings, paint, cook meals, clean house,
garden, and work overtime with the growing businesses. Oil rub portraits were her
specialty, in painting. Also, she continued to cut hair for family members and was still
cutting her own hair before her passing.
In 93 her mother, Eileen M. Mabry passed, followed closely by her son, Robert C.
Burgess (‘94) and her father, Clement “Pete” Mabry, (‘94). After 40 years of marriage,
her husband, Compton, died of a cancerous brain tumor (‘02).
During her ‘retirement years,’ as she referred to them, she spent much time with her
grandchildren and maintaining her gorgeously landscaped yard, as well crafting and
travelling with friends and family.
In 2011, at her 50 th high school reunion, she fell in love--like a teenager--with the high
school basketball star, Richard Andresen. In 2012 they eloped in Las Vegas, then
traveled back and forth between Florida and Maryland, soon buying a home in Deltona,
Florida (’14). Together, they traveled extensively with friends, especially with the
SCHOG, Inc, Harley Club. In her ‘new life,’ she was a camper—still cooking and
hosting—now for large crowds of friends with her partner.
Her second husband had cancer, a rare form of Lymphoma, when they met. Darleen
joked that she was okay with that as, “they only needed about 7 or 8 years.”
Prophetically, in 2018 she was diagnosed with the same rare form of cancer, and after
an extremely busy year of travelling in 2019, Richie’s cancer became severe. In January
2020 he was given one week to live. He opted for chemotherapy, and Darleen stood by
him throughout this journey, sleeping at the hospital for the multiple, three-week
treatments. Richie was strong and recovering until about 6 months into his treatment.
He took a turn for the worst and died 3 days before Darleen’s birthday in July 2020.
Darleen was the oldest of three children. The middle child, her brother Terry Mabry, died
in December 2020. He was dearly missed as she had spoken with him often, even daily.
After losing two husbands to cancer, Darleen returned to, as she described, ‘plant
therapy.’ She ‘planted everything she could,’ enhancing the beautiful ‘oasis,’ at her
poolside home. She said she always wanted to live in a tropical place. In addition, she
crafted, mainly with artificial flowers. She designed wreaths for family members, friends,
and veterans. Slowly, near the end, she even wove half of a hula skirt and made head
wreaths.
Darleen had always been private about her religion. Still, she assured her cousin, Gail,
that she, at her home, had asked Christ to save her.
Darleen helped many people during her lifetime including friends, family members and
strangers. She will be missed by many.
She is survived by her daughter, Holly, and son-in-law Steve Pyle as well as their two
children, Beck and Samuel. Her grandchildren from her late son Robby: Zack and
Suzanne. And three great grandchildren; Bela, Scarlett and Teddy. She is also survived
by her brother, Danny Mabry, one uncle, and three aunts. On Richie’s side she is
survived by four stepchildren and their families. In addition, several nieces, nephews,
cousins, and their families fondly remember Darleen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cancer research organization or St. Jude
Children's Hospital in memory of Darleen at https://www.stjude.org/
A private ceremony will be held in Deltona, Florida on November 19 th and in Virginia
shortly thereafter for the spreading of her remains. A ceremony and celebration of life
will also be held in Maryland; the time and place are yet to be determined..
What’s your fondest memory of Darleen?
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Share a story where Darleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Darleen you’ll never forget.
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