Joanne M. Darko

With much sadness the Darko family mourns the passing of Joanne Darko, 91, of Atlanta, Georgia. She died at her home on Saturday, August 10, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Joanne was the daughter of the late William J. and Marie A. (Moore) Mitchell. She graduated from high school in Latrobe and soon married her husband of 42 years, the late John T. Darko. Together they raised four children: the late Kathleen Darko, Karen Darko, John V. Darko, and the late Laura Kresses. Her children’s varied birthplaces—Latrobe, Dover, Memphis, Atlanta—reflected the challenges of frequent relocation she experienced as the wife of an FBI agent. Finally settled in Atlanta, she became a devoted grandmother to her grandsons Eli and Andrew Kresses.

Joanne was a member of both the All Saints and Holy Cross Catholic Churches in Atlanta, and she exemplified the Church’s teachings of charity and compassion. She especially enjoyed the simple things in life—reading a good detective novel, preparing the Czech dishes of her husband’s family tradition, and reminiscing about family stories over cheese straws, deviled eggs, and a Manhattan cocktail. Her greatest joy came from the time she spent with her family and friends. On such occasions she often regaled her audience with shaggy-dog stories that took her listeners deep into the woods. There were also times, however, of pain and sorrow. In the short space of a few years, she lost her husband and her oldest and youngest daughters. Although her grief was deep, she relied on her spiritual strength and innate perseverance to sustain her. At the age of 75 she resumed her formal education at Georgia State University, where she majored in religious studies. Never one for half measures, she approached her studies with the same rigor as a degree-seeking student. Joining her much younger classmates in a studies-abroad program, she enjoyed an enriching summer in her beloved Ireland, the homeland of her ancestors.

In addition to her parents, her husband, and daughters Kathleen and Laura, Joanne was preceded in death by her brother Dr. William J. Mitchell, and her sisters Shirley Prosperi and Marlene Pepper, and by Liao Miawshyang, her son’s long-time partner. She is survived by her remaining daughter and son, Karen Darko and John V. Darko, her sons-in-law, Bart Kresses and Tom Embry, her two grandsons, Eli and Andrew Kresses (fiancé Nichol Ihrie), and many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joanne will be remembered for her kindness, perseverance, and generosity by everyone who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will be greatly appreciated. A visitation will be held at H.M. Patterson and Son - Oglethorpe Chapel Hill on August 15 from 4pm to 7pm. A Rosary Service will follow the visitation. A funeral mass will be celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church, Dunwoody on August 16 at 2pm. A Committal Service will follow at Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs, at 3:30pm. A reception will be held at Thos. O' Reilly Public House, Sandy Springs immediately following the service.