Mutual 12 creates living memorial for late resident Darlene Milek

A pink flowering orchid tree (bauhinia variegata) was recently donated to Mutual 12 in memory of its former Board member and friend Darlene Milek, who passed away last November.

Milek moved into Leisure World in March 2018. Within three months, she was voted onto Mutual 12’s board of directors, where she served continuously until her passing in 2023. As an active member of the board’s landscape committee, she was a guiding force in the design and installation of the beautiful pergola rest area in the middle of Mutual 12.

Milek was the Leisure World neighbor who was always available for anything and everybody. She was smart, witty and creative, and had a way of making people feel at ease and included.

The orchid tree now grows in front of Darlene’s unit as a reminder of her irreplaceable friendship and tireless service to the Mutual 12 community.

— Kathie Hogan, Mutual 12 Board of Directors