Darlene Milek 1953-2023 ….

Darlene Milek 1953-2023

There are times in our lives that we meet that person and instantly “click.” That would describe the friendship that I had with my dear friend, Darlene Milek. She moved into Leisure World in the spring of 2018. By summertime, we were in the pool and planning monthly get-togethers for our “Glenview Friends.” In the fall of 2018 and throughout 2019 we all learned about preparedness in the event of any emergency. Little did we know that in the spring of 2020, we would be put to the test of how well she had prepared us.

Darlene was born in the spring of 1953, raised in the Lakewood area, attended college, married, and raised two children in Cypress, California. She eventually moved to Reno, Nevada, to become a school principal. Darlene worked hard and was always learning about something new. Nevertheless, she always had time for her family, neighbors and her community at large.

During her time here she became a director and, at the time of her passing, she was secretary for Mutual 12. She spent countless hours in the service of her family, our neighborhood and community.

In 2020, she lost her beautiful daughter, Robin. Even with that loss she pushed on and started an Etsy store, The Brown Hen Farm. Her sewing and embroidery projects were beyond amazing. She also assisted those who needed alterations and other sewing services. She never said “No.” I would frequently remind her that “No” was a complete sentence. She was my sidekick whenever I wanted to go on an adventure. We went to the pool in the summer and tried to keep busy in the winter rather than fall asleep at 7 p.m. and be up at 4 a.m. We cooked for each other one night a week. On Fridays, we had a regular date to Fantastic Café.

I have a huge hole in my heart. We were supposed to be old ladies together. I am sad for me; but, happy for her. She died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 7, 2023. No horrible illness, no more pain for the loss of her daughter.

Darlene leaves behind her son John and his family, including three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, former husband and friend, Steve, and her son-in-law Jeff and her four grandchildren.

I have asked our neighbors to share their thoughts: Mary said, “Darlene was always available to help if I had a problem. She was always friendly no matter what I asked her.”

Linda and Jerry said, “Darlene was the first to welcome us to Glenview. Her warmth was real and made a difference. She always listened and always cared. She made a difference; and, we can only hope she knows how much we loved her. Farewell my friend.”

Jeanette and Fred said, “Darlene was such a special gift to our neighborhood and broader community of Leisure World. Each and every day she did something to contribute to the good of others. Darlene set an example for us all to follow. She will be greatly missed.”

Richard and Suzannah said, “We’re good with what each of you have written. So many thoughts and so hard to find the right words.”

Kathie said, “Darlene was my next door neighbor and my anchor to LW since I moved in two years ago. She seemed always available to answer questions about LW, Mutual 12 and our block. It turns out that Darlene was everybody’s anchor and resource—because she cared deeply about the welfare of her neighbors, family, and friends. Regular sightings of Darlene, Cinnamon (her dog), and the golf cart are sorely missed.”

Cyndi said, “Her door was always open and I was always welcomed. I will miss our girls’ lunches.”

Rich said, “Darlene was the neighbor that was always available for anything and everyone. Darlene had her ways of making people feel at ease and included. Darlene was smart, witty and always creative. Darlene was able to pull the neighbors together to create our neighborhood.”

Evelyn said, “Darlene was a real gem. She was never too busy to lend an ear or a helping hand. I will forever miss her and her kind ways.”

Caren said, “Darlene was a force of light and positivity in our neighborhood. Through her selfless support, many people were able to continue to live independent lives. Her comforting presence in our community will be sorely missed.”

Julia said that Darlene helped her to remain in her home.

Rest in Peace, our dear friend.

— Paid obituary written by

Valerie McRoberts