Darlene (Swett) Manzo died peacefully on October 4, 2025.  She was 78 years old.  Darlene was born January 29, 1947, in Ashland and graduated from Ashland High School in 1965.  As an artist at heart, she did her part to leave the world a better and more beautiful place than when she came into it.  For over 40 years, she made people look good as the owner and operator of Darlene’s Beauty Shop, retiring in 2002.  Her passion was for the aesthetic beauty of the world.  She quilted, painted, crocheted, crafted, knitted, and sewed constantly, giving away almost everything she made.  Her artistic talents didn’t stop there.  She was an expert gardener, renowned especially for her raspberry patch, and an amazing cook.  Her whoopie pies and molasses cookies were irresistible!  Most of all, she loved to share a laugh with her many friends, especially with the Ashland Class of 1965 and her wonderful friends at Park East Villa.  They were all family to her.  

Darlene was predeceased by her husband, Carl Manzo; her father, Jennings Swett; and her mother, Mary (Carney) Swett, as well as by her sisters and brothers: Medley, Sidney, Linwood, Pricilla, Elaine, Helen, and Dale. 

She is survived by her sisters; Patricia McKee and Diane Cyr of Gardiner, Donna Schmidt of Athens, Tennessee, and one very special sister-in-law; Erna Jimmo of West Springfield, Massachusetts.  Her sons, Mark Leach and his wife Joanna of Meriden, Connecticut, and Adam Leach and his wife Deanna of Hermon.  Five grandchildren: Kasey, Jessica, Brian, and Teddy, all of Connecticut; Maren Rochester and her husband Jesse of Holden, and Matthew Leach of Washington, DC. Darlene’s family gratefully thanks the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice for their compassion and support.

A celebration of life will be held at Park East Villas in Bangor, as well as a graveside remembrance in Ashland, to be scheduled soon.  In lieu of flowers, donations for a scholarship to be awarded to an Ashland High School student pursuing a trade or the arts can be sent to Adam Leach, 48 Stoneybrook Way, Hermon, ME 04401.