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AMHERST - Brooke A. Darden passed away quietly in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at her home in Amherst after a long and remarkably brave struggle with cancer.

She was born Feb. 13, 1956, in Springfield, the daughter of the late Robert R. Darden and Janice (LePage) Bauchiero. She graduated from Longmeadow High School and the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in biology.

Brooke will always be remembered for her work as general manager of Judie's Restaurant in Amherst, where she was employed for 27 years. Confidante, ringleader, big sister, tour guide, wine taster, inspector of untucked shirts, unruly hair, excessive jewelry and exposed tattoos, Brooke went about her duties with a singular concern for all. She was the master of schedules and gracious behavior and a friend to all who entered while she was on duty.

Brooke's passion for the natural world was a never-ending joy to observe. Her gardens and flower arrangements, her dogs and cats, her kayak adventures and trips to Cape Cod or the North Shore gave her the greatest pleasures. If you spent time with Brooke you became a bird watcher. It was contagious.

Brooke is survived by her husband and longtime companion, Howard R. "Randy" Paul; her parents, Frank and Janice Bauchiero of Florida and Vermont; her sisters, Paige Darden and her husband, Jim, of Somers, Conn., and Leigh Gilbert and her husband, Glenn, of Plymouth; her brothers, Robert "Butch" and his wife, Sherry, of Carbondale, Colo., and Scott, also of Colorado; step-brothers and sisters, Edward Bauchiero, Robert Bauchiero, Frank Bauchiero, Donna Shutt, Mary O'Donoghue and James Bauchiero and their spouses. Aunt Brooke will long be remembered by her 23 nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. George Bowers and the staff at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital oncology department and their associated VNA & Hospice program for their guidance and compassion, which helped us through difficult times.

We also wish to thank the countless friends and acquaintances of Brooke's who have expressed their love for her these past weeks. Her courage and her determination to always put the feelings and concerns of others before her own will be an inspiration to everyone.

Calling hours at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst will be Sunday, Jan. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Cancer Connection in Florence or the VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.