Brenda Darling

Brenda Faye Darling (Sund) was born on August 25, 1940 in Ilwaco, WA, and passed away on September 20, 2026 at the age of 86 in Poulsbo, WA.

Brenda was the second beloved daughter of Helene and Adolf Sund. She grew up in the small beach town with her two sisters, Cissy and Alice, attending Ilwaco schools. Her father was the chairman of the Chinook tribe for a number of years, and she would often accompany him to tribal meetings and events. Her mother was the daughter of Finnish immigrants who settled in the area. Brenda recalled Finnish treats, a lush vegetable garden, and a traditional Finnish sauna from her childhood, being raised by women rooted in their home country’s culture.

Brenda raised her three kids, Mike, Greg and Julia, almost entirely on her own in Westport, WA. She was a firm but loving mother, and someone that everyone in the family could lean on. She was highly independent, sharp, strong willed and remarkably reliable.

Brenda diligently worked for the postal service most of her career, serving as a Post Master for 28 years. She served in Sekiu and Indianola, where she retired.

In 1998, she settled for good in her dream home with over 6 acres of beautiful land in Poulsbo, WA. She lived there with her companion Dave and sweet dogs over the years, Duchess, Shake and Bundy. Her home was a special gathering place for family and for her grandchildren to grow-up— riding quads and building forts. If she wasn’t watching her sports teams on TV, she was most likely taking the dog out or mowing the lawn. She found joy in the simple things in life.

Brenda is survived by her three children, Mike, Greg and Julia, her grandchildren, Dustin, Matthew, Brent, Megan, Courtney and Piper, and great grandchildren, Ronin, Logan, Jayse, Ava, Michael, Saylor and August. In heaven, she is reunited with her beloved Dave, grandson Cole, sisters and parents. She will be deeply missed by her family.

Brenda’s service will be held at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church in Poulsbo on Friday, Oct. 23 at 11:00 am. Family and friends are encouraged to come and honor her life.