78, loved by her husband Joseph for more than their 61 years of marriage. Joseph, his youngest daughter Michele and her husband Christopher Cromwell tenderly cared for her throughout her Alzheimer’s disease. Darlene will be missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will forever cherish all the skills and lessons she taught them and all the love she shared. Debra Odebraski-Floeder, husband Timothy, children Rachel, Andrew and David in Minnesota; Diane (Odebraski) Theobald, husband Allan, children Jason, Kaydee and Jolene, great grandchildren Karder and Kailyi in Texas; Michele (Odebraski) Cromwell and her husband Christopher in Orlando.
Darlene was born in Rutledge, Minnesota in 1940, raised her family in the Twin Cities and has treasured her Orlando home, friends and communities since 1988. She was generous with her kind heart and touched everyone in her own very special and personal way; everything from days at church, the pool and beach, gardening, walks around the lake, Easter egg hunts with flying kites and days and nights at the Disney parks. She was our foundation and devoted homemaker, always making each day the best for everyone. If Darlene wasn’t at home, she was likely at an Orlando Magic game, Minnesota Vikings game, lunch, shopping, or looking for the thrill and sounds of winning numbers, but mostly her love for music and dancing with her husband Joseph and family gave her the greatest joy. She traveled to many places around the world yet never lost sight of her German heritage and Finlayson youth. The love, dedication and admiration Joseph shared with Darlene and Darlene with him is a true love story valued by their children and others. Her care givers, resident friends and families were very dear to our family. Their compassionate care and companionship greatly supported them throughout her Alzheimer’s disease and final journey. Darlene, the calm, fair, hard-working, beautiful, woman who always offered and provided will be missed by many. Think of her whenever you enjoy ice cream, black licorice jelly beans, and peanut butter by the spoonful because Darlene loved them all.
In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to [email protected] with funds supporting care givers in need that so graciously give of themselves each day.
