Murphys, CA…Elda Darby December 22, 1931 – February 21, 2022. Elda Schena Darby passed away peacefully at home in Murphys, California, on February 21, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old. She was born on December 22 1931 in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Italian immigrant Giusto Schena and his wife Catherine (Marcon.) The young family moved to Calaveras County in 1933 and where Elda attended Bret Harte High School and met Richard Earle Darby, Earle and Elda were married in 1949. They spent time in Southern California, where Earle served in the Marine Corps before returning to Murphys where they raised their four children, first on Watkin Street and later off French Gulch on the property where Elda resided the rest of her life. She worked as a bookkeeper and supervised countless children, along with her own, on the school bus that she drove every day to and from Murphys grammar school. An active participant in her children’s many activities, including 4H and Girl Scouts, she later transferred her attention to her many grandchildren’s events. Her no-nonsense wit and maternal observations were shared with all that knew her and she amassed friends of
all ages.

Elda took great pride in her Italian heritage, her handicrafts and her Catholic faith Her pursuits included
homemade raviolis, baking, sewing, needlepoint, cross stitch, Bret Harte Reunions, trips with Earle to Tahoe
and holiday festivities. A favorite memory was the trip she took to Italy with her siblings to visit the land of
her grandparents.
Elda treasured her family and many friends. When her sister, Eleanor, married Earle’s brother Dan ,a
labyrinth of family ties and roots was established that sinks far and wide. Christmas Eve at the ranch was a
tradition that grew to include dozens. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She is now reunited with Earle, her husband of 63 years, sister Eleanor, brother Frank and beloved daughter
Elizabeth (Airola). She is survived by sons Rick (Marcia),and Jay, daughter Maria (Peirano), sister Clelia
(Petithomme), sisters-in-law Claudia (Schena), Kathleen Crespi, brother-in-law Bob Petithomme,
grandchildren Will Darby (Brandi), Joe Darby (Jaclyn), Amanda Davis (Randy), Kate Darby, Anthony Darby,
Jessica Bottomley (Eric) , Morgan Darby, Zachary and Matthew Airola, Cody Conrado (Thea), John Peirano
(Hannah), Krystin Hall (Harrison), great-grandchildren Ava, Fox, Joseph Jr., Dominic, Mica, Randy Jr.,
Hank, Boone, Daniel, Elijah, Emett, Owen, Alice, Brandon, Brooke, Brett, Hensley, Grayson, Weston,
Reagan, Truett, Jagger, Rowdy and Darby, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The community is invited to a Rosary on Wednesday, March 23 at 7 pm at the Angels Memorial Chapel
with a reception to follow. A private funeral will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may
be made to the Calaveras Foundation for the Elizabeth Airola nursing scholarship.