On Thursday, May 27, our sweet Lotus Darlene Hubbard (Del Grande), age 88, passed from this life.

To many of us it feels like earth has been moved under our feet, as Lotus was a rock to her family and to those around her. She died peacefully at her home with family and was ready to join her husband and love of her life Dale in eternity. Dale and Lotus had the rare privilege of being married for 66 incredible years and building a big gorgeous family together. Lotus was known for her endless love, generosity and spunk. She loved life and was deeply committed to her family, friends, children and people in general.

Dale and Lotus have four wonderful children with spouses; Skip (71) and Jan, Neil (69) and Tina, Karen (68) and Mel Agee, Jack (61) and Leslie. They have 10 vivacious grandchildren: Scott Carns, Rachel Jacobs, Ryan Carns, Candace Johnson, Amy Borden,Neil Bryan Jr (deceased), Brandon Hubbard, Gary Hubbard, Hayden Hubbard, and Levi Hubbard; 11 vibrant great-grandchildren, Brittani, Kevin, Riley, Jenna, Daniol, Kennedy, Selah, Taniya, Talon, Ella and Kat; 11 great-great-grandchildren Brantley, Jaxson, Beverly, Owen, Ayden, Alivia, Eli, Brinley, Ava, Lannan and Troy.

Preceded by her parents, Louis and Sarah Del Grande, and her siblings, Louie, Dave,Carl, Betty, Jack and Kenny.

Lotus was a true Eureka local. She was born and raised in Eureka and lived there for most of her life. She didn’t know a stranger, and loved being connected to those around her. Lotus spent most of her life nurturing and giving of herself for the good of others, which can be seen in most of her (paid) jobs. When her children were young she ran a daycare, then was a nurse’s aide. She also ran a hamburger stand in Weaverville, and as her grandchildren went to school, so did she. Lotus worked in Eureka City Schools for years and is known by many throughout Eureka, as “Grandma Hubbard.” She loved countless children throughout her life and invested deeply in others.

She was a lover of people and lived a life of compassion.

Lotus was an amazing strong woman and a hero to her family! She created the high mark in being a powerful, loving, and kind woman, wife, mom, grandma, great- grandma, great great grandma, friend, and neighbor. Lotus will live on in our hearts!

There will be a celebration of her life on August 21, 2022 at the Eureka Elks Club from 1-4 p.m.

Lotus leaves us with a these words, a variation of a poem from Christina Georgina Rossetti:

When I have come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me.

I want no funeral rites in a gloom filled room - my soul is free - so do not cry for me.

With your head held high, miss me a little but not too long - Remember the good times we shared. This is a journey we all must take and each of us must go alone - it’s part of life’s plan.

If you feel lonely go to family and friends and help yourself and others by doing good deeds.

Carry me in your heart - Miss me but let me go.

###