Obituary of Darlene Marie Owen
Darlene Marie Owen, 73, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home on the morning of Saturday, September 1, surrounded by the love of her husband, children, and grandchildren. Darlene fought a long and courageous battle against breast cancer, never giving up, and always with a smile on her face. She danced her way through chemo and remained hopeful, upbeat, and positive throughout her treatment, even going boogie boarding in Myrtle Beach just over a month ago. Her courage, strength, and faith was an inspiration to us all.
She was joyously welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by her father, James Slemmer, her mother, Mary Slemmer, her beloved cousin Carmella (Tootsie) Pellegrino as well as so many other loved ones. Her spirit is carried on by her family who she loved more than anything including her husband, David Owen; her children, Shelly and Roy Hawthorne, Christy and Brandon Burke, Greg and Kristina Dooley, and Brian and Stacey Dooley; her 12 grandchildren, Asia, Lexi, Devin, Hannah, Braylon, Mia, Isa, Max, Mason, Alyssa, Reagan, and Ethan James (due in December); her brother, Jim Slemmer; her niece, Stacey (Don) Cannon; and her nephew, Jason (Kelly) Slemmer. She is also fondly remembered by her step-daughter, Kathryn Owen; brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Corky Garboski; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Joan Garboski, and mother-in-law, Edna Mae Garboski.
Darlene had too many friends to count, as everyone loved and admired her. She will continue to live forever in the hearts of her best friend, Barb Stefanov; her good friends, the Anders, the Berlins, and the Gardners; her renewal sisters; her nursing friends; her Manchester friends; her neighbors; her friends in The Villages; her children’s friends (who affectionately referred to her as Dar Dar), and so many others. She also had several granddogs who loved her.
Darlene returned to school as an adult and was valedictorian of her class at Kent State University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1990. She had such a loving and giving heart and dedicated her life to helping others. She retired from Gentiva Health Services in 2010 and moved to The Villages (Florida) for part of the year, where she and Dave enjoyed going to the square to listen to live music, dancing, swimming, and various classes. Darlene had a zest for life and loved to play golf, go to Zumba, read, and play games. She also loved all of the fall festivals, crafts shows, and apple picking.
Darlene was happiest when her family was all together. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She always came up with fun activities to do together, including riding in the golf cart, making cookies, hugging, making Christmas ornaments, playing cards, playing games, painting pictures, and making crafts.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Father Bline of St. Francis de Sales Parish for coming to pray with Darlene and her family the night before she passed. His presence not only provided comfort, but it brought Darlene and the family a profound sense of peace. She demonstrated her strong faith and love of God during that time, describing her entrance to heaven as “joyous”. They would also like to thank Dr. Hasra, Dr. Lois Teston and staff, and Stephanie and the staff of Bella Care Hospice for everything they did during her long battle.
A personal note from the family: Darlene (Mom, Grandma) was our anchor. She was such an amazing woman, and we all turned to her for support. Now she will forever be our beacon of light, guiding us throughout our journey so that we may never lose our way. We love you and will miss you so much. You are forever in our hearts.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 6 from 5p.m.-7p.m. at Anthony Funeral Home, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00a.m. Friday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Road in Akron, with Fr. Bline officiating. Following the mass, Darlene will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Darlene’s honor to: Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Chapter at www.komenneohio.org or to Beyond Type 1 at https://donate.beyondtype1.org (please enter email address info@inspiredbyisabella.org)
