Darlene Joyce McSparran, 90, of Dakota Dunes, SD and Surprise, AZ, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026 in her home.

A small, intimate celebration of life will be held at a later date with immediate family. Darlene was born the daughter of Orville and Hope (Smith) Harbeck on February 25, 1936, and grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from Central High School.

Darlene married Harold E. “Hal” McSparran on June 29,1956 at Crescent Park Methodist Church in Sioux City. They spent 36 years living in California and owned an auto body business before retiring and returning to the Siouxland area in 1992. Darlene was a wonderful homemaker. She devoted her life to raising their three children, Gregory (Mara) McSparran of San Diego, Calif., Diana Eaves of Surprise, AZ and Glenn (Elizabeth) McSparran of Murrieta, Calif. They also raised their granddaughter, Tiffany (David) Kissinger of Dakota Dunes.

Darlene was an avid reader; it was her favorite form of entertainment. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her “Saturday Night Live” widow’s group who loved going out together for Saturday night dinners and occasionally Friday morning breakfast. She kept active by going on walks daily and enjoyed spending winters in Arizona for many years.

Darlene, aka Mom, aka Nana, was the heart of our family - strong, faithful, and deeply loving. She dedicated her life to caring for those around her, always putting others before herself. Together with her husband, she built a home that was a place of comfort, connection, and unwavering support, where generations gathered and grew close because of her. She carried on a cherished tradition of making yearly Christmas stockings for the family and new family members each year, a tradition passed down by her mother and enlisted her granddaughter Tiffany’s help long before passing it on, sparing herself all the time-consuming work while keeping the tradition alive. In her final chapter, she showed the same strength and grace that defined her life. She allowed herself to be cared for, even when it was difficult. She was deeply appreciative of those who helped care for her, and her quiet resilience left a lasting impact on everyone around her. 

She is now reunited with her husband, Hal, aka Dad, aka Papa, her parents, her brother Gene Harbeck and various predeceased loved ones.

She is survived by her children; granddaughter Tiffany; grandchildren Madison (Keith) Albright of Carlsbad, Calif., Tyler (Noela) McSparran-Acha of Kansas City, MO., Max (Colette) McSparran of Vista, Calif., Travis McSparran of Murrieta; her great-grandchildren Kade Albright, Makena Albright and Destin McSparran-Acha; several nieces and nephews and other relatives. It was the greatest honor to love her, learn from her, and be by her side. Her legacy will live on in the closeness of our family and the foundation she and her husband built together.

Our family is deeply grateful for the compassion and support of the hospice team at St. Croix Hospice, especially her nurse Ashley and aide Madison, whose care meant more than words can express. Tiffany wishes to extend special thanks to her employer, the Food Bank of Siouxland, for their understanding and flexibility, which made it possible for her to be present and care for her grandmother during this time. If you wish to honor Darlene, the family welcomes donations to the Food Bank of Siouxland, Inc. in lieu of flowers.