DARLENE BERKES

Darlene J. Berkes, 90, of Maple Park, IL, passed away suddenly in the company of her loving family on Thursday, May 9, 2024.  She was born June 1, 1933, in Centralia, IL, the daughter of Ralph and Clara Davis (nee Marshall).

Darlene grew up in Centralia, IL for several years before her parents went their separate ways and the family moved to Clinton, IA, when she was eight years old.  After her parents separated, Darlene stayed with her father’s family for a time.  She continued her education in local Clinton schools, but that would not be the last time they would move. Darlene’s father followed work wherever it took them, but Darlene eventually settled in Marshalltown, IA, when she was thirteen. She lived in Marshalltown with her step-mother’s sister for a time, but would have several more address changes before fate came knocking at her door.   

Darlene met Fred Berkes on a blind date at the Maple Park American Legion.  If you asked Darlene how they met she’d say, “It was all Marge Turk’s fault!”, but don’t let her fool you, that date would be one for the ages as it led them down the aisle on November 27, 1954. Darlene and Fred made their home in Maple Park, IL, and stayed there for almost 70 years. Fred would pass away in 1985, but Darlene was happy where she had put down roots and so she made up her mind to stay in Maple Park for the rest of her life.  She felt at home in Maple Park and without a doubt, the community members were so pleased to see her become an integral part of their community.

Darlene worked at General Electric on the assembly line for three years before she left to do her most important work, being a devoted wife and mother. Darlene was a proud member of the Maple Park American Legion Wives and was a faithful member of Maple Park’s very own St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Darlene gave all she had and more for her children and was the epitome of a model mother. She dedicated her life to her son Ed, and her two disabled sons Frank and Andy. Even though Frank and Andy grew up in a time when most afflicted children would be sent away, Darlene fought to integrate both her sons into everyday life so they experienced everything any other neighborhood kid would.  Darlene doubled her efforts after Fred died, taking on the roles of both parents. Her work at church was tireless, spending countless hours working in services and office as well as covering responsibilities for the church’s cemetery, many banquets, and congregation dinners. She was an honorary grandmother to any little one that happened to cross her path, and her hugs were freely given to her adoring nieces, nephews, and friends of all ages. Darlene taught her children to have a strong faith and taught them the importance and power of prayer. Her selfless love and sacrifice will forever be treasured and remembered by those she looked after. When her work at home was done, her free time often included a little bit of travel, although her favorite destinations always included a casino or two, especially when she went to Las Vegas. The family also enjoyed thirteen years of watching Spring training with the Chicago White Sox in Sarasota, FL. In the autumn, the family would drive up to Wisconsin to see the changing colors, and in later years Darlene added Hawaii to the list. She set to sea on a trip to the Caribbean and when in doubt, Darlene was always in favor of taking the “scenic route”. 

Over the past 10 years, Darlene struggled with a variety of health ailments that would break the spirit of the average person, but Darlene was not your average person.  She persevered through her ailments and did so with a smile on her face. She never let her pain or sickness prevent her from living her life to the fullest.  She had a strong will and an even stronger faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Darlene was sharp as a whip even as she turned 90 in June of last year.  She did so by keeping busy and never letting her life become too stagnant.  She was always one to strike up a conversation with a stranger, whether it be at the grocery store or with a new member at church.  Darlene did a lot of living in her 90 years and couldn’t have been more astonished when she reached her 90th birthday.  Her family and friends threw her a 90th birthday party which Darlene utterly enjoyed.  She was so happy to celebrate such a huge milestone surrounded by the people she loved and cared about most.  Darlene was ecstatic to have lived long enough to see her family and friends grow up and become successful, and productive.  It was guaranteed that if you were spending time with Darlene, you were in for a good time.  Darlene was always smiling and loved to make people laugh with her witty sense of humor.  She loved nothing more than to make others feel welcome in her presence.  All of Darlene’s family members and friends will tell you that she has left an indelible mark on their lives and that their hearts ache from the loss of such a beloved woman.  May her courageous and vivacious spirit live on through those she loved most.

Darlene is survived by her two sons; Ed Berkes and Andy Berkes, her caregiver who became a special part of her life and family, Kristi Davis, many cousins, nieces and nephews, caregivers, and a world-wide communityof friends.

Darlene is reunited with her parents, Ralph and Clara, her step-mother Edna Davis, her husband, Fred Berkes, her son, Frank Berkes, and her three siblings; Ralph Davis Jr., Bill Davis, and Eileen Castillo.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m. with a Prayer and Rosary Service taking place between 4:00p.m. and 4:30p.m. at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, IL.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. At St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park, IL. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Darlene’s faith will immediately follow visitation at 11:00a.m. at Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.  Interment will take place immediately following the Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Maple Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Darlene’s name. Checks may be made to the “Darlene Berkes Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral