The Cedar Park community comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dareen Vaughan.
The Cedar Park community is in mourning following the passing of Dareen Vaughan, affectionately known as ‘Dara,’ who left behind a legacy marked by love and dedication to her family. Born in Austin, Dareen was an active member of her community, a devoted mother, and a cherished grandmother. Her impact spanned generations, and her spirit will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. A celebration of her life will be held to honor her contributions and devotion to her family.
Dareen Vaughan, lovingly known as “Dara,” passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas. Surrounded by her family and caregivers, she leaves behind a cherished legacy of love and devotion to her family.
Dareen was born in Austin, Texas, to parents Steven Lafayette (S.L.) and Norma Cantwell, where she was raised alongside her two sisters, Jan and Chris. From a young age, she enjoyed the outdoors, frequently visiting Barton Springs and Stacy Park. Her passion for sports was evident during her time at William B. Travis High School, where she not only played the flute but also excelled in tennis, earning the top rank on her high school team. This love for tennis remained with her well into her later years, as she continued playing until the age of 75.
After graduating high school, Dareen attended Southwest Texas State University from 1957 to 1959. During this time, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, which is now known as Chi Omega, and participated in the Miss Southwest Texas State Beauty Pageant. It was at university that she met George Burton Vaughan Jr., and the couple married in 1959.
Following their marriage, Dareen and George moved to Houston, where they purchased their first home and welcomed two daughters, Lisa and Danette. Throughout this period, Dareen worked as a bookkeeper for Vaughan and Son Company and VASCO Inc. for over 35 years, enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with her husband and family before their shared retirement.
As a mother, Dareen was known for her nurturing spirit, fulfilling her role with love and dedication. After retirement, she and George traveled both locally and internationally, indulging their shared love for exploration. They created numerous cherished memories together before George’s passing.
Dareen’s love extended beyond her immediate family; she was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren: Tara, Calan, and Aden. She earned the affectionate title of “Mema” as a grandmother, and later became “Great Mema” to seven great-grandchildren: Brody, Tenley, Hunter, Willow, Aria, Summer, and Camila. Always eager to be involved, she made it a priority to be present for family milestones, regardless of distance.
Dareen was passionate about her Texan heritage. She enjoyed walking in Memorial or Bear Creek Park in Houston and kept active at the gym into her late 70s. Her love for family was complemented by her fondness for thrifting with her sisters, and she relished evenings with her husband on their back porch, often sharing Mexican food and margaritas.
Dareen is preceded in death by her husband, George Burton Vaughan Jr., along with her sister-in-law Joy Lou Painter, and her parents, Norma and S.L. Cantwell. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Ann Tobin (husband Daniel Tobin) and Danette Arrington (husband Steve Arrington). Her grandchildren include Tara Tobin-Rabatin (husband William Rabatin), Calan Paul Tobin (wife Alicia Tobin), and Aden Ryan Arrington, along with her great-grandchildren Brody Tobin, Tenley Rabatin, Hunter Rabatin, Willow Rabatin, Aria Tobin, Summer Rabatin, and Camila Tobin. Her surviving sisters are Jan Baycroft (husband Perry Baycroft) and Chris Freeman (husband Chuck Freeman), and she is also survived by her nieces Courtneay Freeman and Joy Lynn Painter, as well as her nephews Gary Graves and Will Painter.
A reception will be held to honor both Dareen and her late husband’s lives immediately following her burial at the Magnolia Reception Venue located within Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.
As the Cedar Park community comes together to remember Dareen Vaughan, her deep love for family and her lively spirit will resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.
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