Darlene Ina Zaverzence

ZAVERZENCE, Darlene Ina, (nee Weidler). October 3, 2022. Age 78. Beloved wife of Harry. Loving mother of Michael (Jodi) Hatrick, and stepmother of Denise (Rich) Wolan, and Susan Zaverzence. Proud and adoring grandmother of Emma, Alyssa, and Erica. Cherished sister of Robert (Maryann) Weidler. Throughout her life and work, Darlene was the inspirational source of encouragement, reassurance and affirmation to her family, co-workers and many, many friends. Although challenged throughout her life with adversities, including no less than six distinct battles with Cancer, she remained positive, uplifting and forever hopeful. Her presence, demeanor and relentless optimism were an abiding gift and comfort. Darlene has given uncompromising love, friendship, acceptance and support to her son (Michael), daughter-in-law (Jodi) and granddaughter (Emma) and her brother (Robert) for their entirety of their lives together. She was beloved and appreciated by them every day. For 24 years, Darlene and her husband Harry have enjoyed a life of love, partnership and travel. Through their union, she became a stepmother to Denise and Susan and grandmother to Alyssa and Erica, all of whom she loved dearly and truly. After their marriage in 1998, Darlene and Harry were fortunate to have found in each other companions to pursue adventures throughout the world. Among their travels together, they have enjoyed numerous visits to Germany, the Caribbean, the American West, the American East Coast, Florida and many, many other locations. Although they had planned to continue their explorations, Darlene’s health in later years had made their travels more difficult. Harry’s constant and faithful devotion provided comfort and solace while she endured her struggles, and they were able to continue to appreciate their many local pleasures even through difficult times. Their union was a blessing. Darlene loved her vocation of Teacher and passionately pursued the cause of Education. She enjoyed a lengthy career in Elementary Education within the Eastpointe (nee East Detroit) School District. She began her profession as a Kindergarten teacher and completed her time at the District as a Special Needs Educator, all of the while working to cultivate, encourage and inspire the children whom she fondly mentored. Darlene also treasured the life-long friendships that developed during her time spent in teaching and held a deep affection for the co-workers that she met during those fruitful years. Among the many pursuits that Darlene enjoyed were her participation in the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) Sorority, The Red Hat society and the EDFT Scholarship Trust Fund. Through her continued participation in these organizations, she had many exploits and met incredible lifelong friends with whom she shared beautiful and enduring memories. Additionally, these relationships allowed her to continue to foster her passion for Education and the betterment of people in a variety of situations. Darlene was an advocate for people in difficult situations. She provided support in many ways, including direct mentoring, creating clothing, blankets and scarves for those in need and through funding donations to many charitable organizations. As a continuation of Darlene’s passion, and in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations, in her name, to charitable organizations. Some of her many beloved causes include: - St Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/ - Turning Point, Empowering Survivors of Violence: https://turningpointmacomb.org/help-us/donate/ - Gleaners Community Food Bank: https://www.gcfb.org/ - Eastpointe EDFT Scholarship Trust Fund: https://www.eastpointeeducators.org/scholarship-trust-fund Visitation Wednesday, October 12th, 2022, from 3-8pm, Thursday, October 13th, 2022, from 1-8pm, with a 12pm Funeral Service on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc., (Shelby) 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Funeral Service to be immediately followed by a Memorial Luncheon at Da Francesco’s Ristorante. Interment, Cedar Creek Cemetery, Auburn, Indiana. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Darlene Ina Zaverzence

August 14, 1944 - October 3, 2022