Darlene M. Page, 81

LACONIA — Darlene (MacLeod) Page, 81, of Van Buren Road, passed away at the Taylor Home on March 22, 2026.

Darlene was born on Oct. 27, 1944, in Plymouth, the daughter of Wendell MacLeod and June (Young) MacLeod.

Darlene was active in the local community for over 50 years. She began teaching in 1968 at Woodland Heights (Miss MacLeod) and then Pleasant Street School teaching second grade until her retirement in 2010. Darlene was awarded a Teacher of the Year award in 2008.

Student tributes presented with the award described Mrs. Page as funny, “bouncy,” a good listener, creative, "ridiculously nice,” and always made time for singing. “My mom had her for a teacher and now I get to have her for a teacher." Students enjoyed trips visiting the Taylor Home, sharing their lunchtime with her, and receiving their birthday spanking and pinch to grow an inch. “Mrs. Page rocks” was a frequent comment. She reportedly had eyes in the back of her head to watch students even when her back was turned. A student teacher assigned to Darlene added that while she could be silly, “when she speaks everyone knows she means business.” The award tribute book has provided chuckles and comfort and will be available for viewing during calling hours.

Darlene previously volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters, then Pleasant Street School and Laconia Hospital after retirement. She and fellow teachers raised money by participating in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk for many years.

Going around town with Darlene felt like being with a local celebrity, often approached and connecting with former students and parents. Before moving to Taylor, her routine included mowing the lawn at her house, then walking her mower 1/4 mile down the road to her lake house to continue mowing. In recent years, Darlene could be seen enjoying coffee with a friend at Wayfarer, or around town with her walking buddy and friend at Taylor; she prided herself in remaining physically active.

Darlene collaborated with her husband to make delicious pies with homemade crusts. A cheese and cracker platter and her homemade lemon blueberry cake were often on the table waiting to greet visitors.

Darlene loved hosting gatherings at the lake, providing toys and swimming equipment for the children and playing with them. Acorn soup cooked in a plastic pail was often on the menu. Her sister recalls them driving for ice cream with Darlene’s nieces and nephew in the back, all singing “American Pie” at the top of their lungs.

Darlene is survived by her siblings Priscilla Robichaud and Joel MacLeod, and will be missed by her nieces, nephews, stepdaughters and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, great-grandchildren, and many friends. Darlene is predeceased by her husband, Bob Page, her brother, Ron MacLeod, and her parents.

Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St.

A burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Bayside Cemetery, Union Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Darlene’s honor to Community Wellness Center, 22 Strafford St. #2, Laconia, NH 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.