Darlene Ann Takacs, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Hospice of Western Reserve. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Thomas (Luke) English and Hilda (Yantschik) English-Schafer. Darlene's strong Catholic faith was rooted in St. Stephen's Parish in Cleveland.

Darlene lived in Cleveland, Ohio, until 1977 when she and her husband sought tranquility and settled in Columbia Station to raise their blended family of six children. They later moved to Grafton, where they enjoyed over 40 years in the country atmosphere that Darlene cherished. She took great joy in caring for her yard from her trusty golf cart and welcomed many animals into her life, with her beloved companion Schnitzel by her side at the time of her passing.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Takacs; her parents; and her siblings: Patricia (English) Frankovich, John English, and Thomas English. She is survived by her treasured children: step-daughter Traci (Jon) Shaw of South Amherst; daughters Darlene (Richard) Drumm of Columbia Station and Molly (Matthan) Hibler of Elyria; sons Brian (Laura) White of Seattle, Washington, and Matthew (Gwen) Takacs of Grafton; and step-son Eric Takacs of Elyria. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren—Gregory, Ginger, Milo, Oscar, Viola, Abby, Owen, Maximus, Magdalyn, and Harrison—and five great-grandchildren: Harper, Clifford, Ardis, Parker, and Ashten.

Darlene imparted invaluable life lessons to her children through her beloved sayings, such as, "A place for everything, and everything in its place," "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear," and "Pull yourself up, wipe yourself off, and don't let them see you cry."

Family and friends are invited to say their final goodbyes on Friday, November 8, 2024, at St. Jude Church (594 Poplar Street, Elyria, Ohio) at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Frank Kosem presiding. Darlene often expressed her wishes for no flowers at her funeral. Instead, the family encourages those wishing to honor her memory to pay it forward to those in need through donations to organizations such as Hospice of the Western Reserve, Friendship APL of Lorain County, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Darlene will be deeply missed, but her spirit and lessons will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.