This is a tough one for me, but if you are involved in music/show business, you will understand (and probably understand why I've been in a bad mood for the last 48 hours or so).
My cousin Darlene passed away at 45. She was a major influence on many lives, and the entertainment industry. She died of lung cancer -- never smoked, and was never much around anybody that did. I smoke 2-3 packs a day, and I'm still here - go figure. Maybe Billy Joel was right...
May she rest in Peace
Here's the obit:
Darlene Wilson of Warwick, formerly of Wallkill, passed into Gods hands on March 2, 2007. She was 45.
Darlene, a graduate of Wallkill High School, left the area to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway performer at a young age. Her professional performing credits included: Broadway productions of: "Spamalot", "Chicago", "Sunset Boulevard", "CATS", and "Side Show". National Tours included: "A Chorus Line", "CATS", "42ND Street" & "This Was Burlesque". At Lincoln Center she performed in "The Pajama Game", "South Pacific", and the Encore Series Presentation of "No Strings" at City Center, along with numerous Regional theater credits.
Her associate choreographer credits included the Broadway Productions of "Monty Pythons, Spamalot", "Side Show", "The Scarlet Pimpernel", "Flower Drum Song", Radio City: "The Christmas Spectacular", and "Sinatra".
She taught and coached professionals and young students both locally and in New York City at C.A.P. 21 associated with N.Y. University and was guest teacher at both STEPS and Broadway Dance in New York City for the Master Theater Dance series.
Originally a student of Powers Dance Art Center and a member of Orange County Ballet Theater from 1971-1980, Darlene's dream came full circle when she purchased the studio, renaming it Broadway Dance Arts, located in Newburgh. She was proud to continue the professional quality inspired by Regis Powers and Merritt Thompson and was proud to be the new Artistic Director of the Orange County Ballet Theater.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Matt Zytko; mother and stepfather, Julie and James Williamson; grandmother, Jewel Lewis; sister, Michele Martucci; brother, Scott Wilson; stepsister, Diane Halstead; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father, Philip Wilson.
My cousin Darlene passed away at 45. She was a major influence on many lives, and the entertainment industry. She died of lung cancer -- never smoked, and was never much around anybody that did. I smoke 2-3 packs a day, and I'm still here - go figure. Maybe Billy Joel was right...
May she rest in Peace
Here's the obit:
Darlene Wilson of Warwick, formerly of Wallkill, passed into Gods hands on March 2, 2007. She was 45.
Darlene, a graduate of Wallkill High School, left the area to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway performer at a young age. Her professional performing credits included: Broadway productions of: "Spamalot", "Chicago", "Sunset Boulevard", "CATS", and "Side Show". National Tours included: "A Chorus Line", "CATS", "42ND Street" & "This Was Burlesque". At Lincoln Center she performed in "The Pajama Game", "South Pacific", and the Encore Series Presentation of "No Strings" at City Center, along with numerous Regional theater credits.
Her associate choreographer credits included the Broadway Productions of "Monty Pythons, Spamalot", "Side Show", "The Scarlet Pimpernel", "Flower Drum Song", Radio City: "The Christmas Spectacular", and "Sinatra".
She taught and coached professionals and young students both locally and in New York City at C.A.P. 21 associated with N.Y. University and was guest teacher at both STEPS and Broadway Dance in New York City for the Master Theater Dance series.
Originally a student of Powers Dance Art Center and a member of Orange County Ballet Theater from 1971-1980, Darlene's dream came full circle when she purchased the studio, renaming it Broadway Dance Arts, located in Newburgh. She was proud to continue the professional quality inspired by Regis Powers and Merritt Thompson and was proud to be the new Artistic Director of the Orange County Ballet Theater.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Matt Zytko; mother and stepfather, Julie and James Williamson; grandmother, Jewel Lewis; sister, Michele Martucci; brother, Scott Wilson; stepsister, Diane Halstead; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father, Philip Wilson.
