Marion “Darla” Hilton Desmond, 54, of Heartbreak Road, Ipswich, died Tuesday July 6, 2010 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, following her long illness.

Born in Beverly August 14, 1955, daughter of Clara (Peters) Hilton of Hamilton and the late Charles G. Hilton, she was formerly of Forest Street Hamilton, and was a 1974 graduate of the Hamilton-Wenham High School. Following graduation she attended nursing school for several years before returning to home to become a stay at home Mom.

As loving mother she raised her children and taught them about nature and life. Darla was also a foster care mother for children in need. She raised Newfoundland dogs and over the years cared for many animals in her home. Darla also enjoyed crafts and drawing sketches as well as painting pictures of things she saw and experienced. She cherished her walks on the beach and was a very involved in her children’s school system. She served   proudly as the Class Advisor for the Ipswich High School Class of 1997, her son’s graduating class and was a booster Mom for various athletic programs her children were involved in. Darla will always be remembered by her children as their biggest fan.

In addition to her mother she is survived by a son, Tomas C. Desmond and his wife Kristen; a daughter, Kathryn T. Desmond; two grandchildren, Olivia and Taryn Desmond all of Ipswich; three brothers, Ronald and  Donald Hilton both of Hamilton, Jody Hilton of Danvers and several nephews and nieces.  

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday July 13, 2 to 4 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 4 pm in the Whittier-porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. A private burial service will be held in the Rosedale Cemetery, Manchester-by-the-Sea. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.