Darlene Louise Eyster, M.D., 63, died on Friday, June 8, 2018, in Lafayette, CO. Born on August 6, 1954 in the coastal town of Scituate, MA, she developed a lifelong love of the ocean.

She attended The Winsor School in Boston before earning her B.S. Degree in Biology at Washington University in St. Louis. After graduating from "Wash U.," she continued to work as a researcher in pathology and immunology. At age fourteen, Darlene decided she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. In 1988, as a single mother, divorced from Henry J. Bangert, she enrolled in medical school while raising her two young sons. She earned her medical degree (and was awarded the Matt Weiss Humanitarian Award) at Saint Louis University in 1992 at the age of 38. She completed her residency and fellowship in internal medicine and cardiology, respectively, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Darlene was a lifelong conservationist, gardener, bee keeper and birder. She loved reading, music, playing Scrabble and spending time with her family when she wasn't traveling with her husband Jeffrey to Chebeague Island, ME and many places beyond.

Darlene ("Nonna") is survived by her father, Louis B. Eyster; husband of 20 years, Jeffrey Dreyer; sons, Henry C. Bangert (Anna) and Graham L. Bangert; siblings, Valerie Mather (David), Louis Eyster (Beth), Kurt Eyster (Barbara), and Celeste Crowley (Scott). She leaves behind grandchildren Alexandra, Hank, Holden, and Hadley Bangert whom she adored completely, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the Green Mountain Memorial Park, 290 20th St., Boulder, CO 80302, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Faith Community Lutheran Church - Latvia Retreat Center (www.lienasgifts.com), the Lung Cancer Colorado Fund (ross.camidge@ucdenver.edu), or the National Audubon Society (www.audubon.org).

The family of Darlene Eyster invites you to join them for a gathering in Darlene’s memory on Saturday, August 11 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, above the Niblic.