In Loving Memory of Darlene Marie Sanphy

Darlene Marie Sanphy, 69, of Clayton, Delaware, passed away on October 19, 2026. Born on December 12, 1956, in South Brunswick, New Jersey, Darlene was the daughter of Peter Yuras Sr. and Julia Yuras. The youngest of six siblings, she carried the values, traditions, and lessons of her upbringing throughout her life, passing them down to the generations that followed.

Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by her love for her family, her deep Catholic faith, her creativity, and her kindness toward others.

In 1993, Darlene moved to Harrington, Delaware from New Jersey, before settling in Clayton in 2007, where she made her home and continued building a lifetime of memories with those she loved.

Throughout her professional life, Darlene demonstrated a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit. She served as a branch manager for WSFS for 17 years before retiring in 2023. In addition to her career in banking, she pursued several business ventures of her own, including Darlene’s Ceramics, Delaware Candle Company, and “We’ve Got You Covered.” Her creativity and willingness to explore new interests reflected her determination, resourcefulness, and love of learning.

Above all else, Darlene cherished her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, making memories together, and sharing experiences that would be treasured for years to come. Family cruises were among the many ways she enjoyed bringing everyone together. She also had a passion for sewing and crafting, a love she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Darlene took great pride in preserving the Polish and Ukrainian traditions passed down by her parents. She made it a priority to ensure those traditions would continue through future generations. Holidays spent together were filled with the warmth of family, baking, and preparing cherished recipes and creations from scratch. Through these traditions, she gave her family something lasting: not only beautiful memories, but a meaningful connection to their heritage and to one another.

Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. Darlene was a devout Catholic and an active, dedicated member of St. Polycarp Church. She generously gave her time and talents to her parish, running the monthly agapes, assisting with Parish School of Religion (PSR) classes as a hall monitor and Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom assistant, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, participating on the parish Finance Council, and serving on the Parish and Family Life Committee. Her faith was not simply something she believed in; it was something she lived through her service, generosity, and care for others.

Darlene was also deeply involved in the Columbiettes, where she held several leadership positions, including Treasurer of the Delaware State Council and Immediate Past President, President and Secretary of the Brother Vincent Auxiliary. Through her involvement, she continued her commitment to Sisterhood, Service and Spirituality.

Those who knew Darlene will remember her as a friendly face, a kind heart, and someone who consistently put others before herself. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and her generosity touched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in the family traditions she preserved, the creativity she inspired, the faith she shared, and the countless memories she created with the people she loved.

Darlene is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Peter Sanphy; her daughters, Angela Gibson and Deanna Lail; her grandchildren, Rebecca, Gigi, Alex, and Kensley; her sister, Dorothy Wiley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Yuras Sr. and Julia Yuras; her brothers, Stephen “Sonny” Yuras, Peter Yuras Jr., and Walter Yuras; and her sister, Linda Montuori.

Darlene's love, faith, kindness, and devotion to family will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, the traditions she carried forward, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave will continue to live on through the generations of her family.

A visitation will be held 6-8 PM Monday October 26 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday October 27 at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna. Burial will be 11 AM Thursday November 5 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brother Vincent Columbiettes, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE 19977.

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Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.