Darlene J. O'Leary

Darlene McBride O'Leary joined the angels in Heaven Monday, November 4, 2013. She passed away peacefully at the age of 83 in her home of nearly 50 years, with her beloved husband and family by her side.

She was born September 10, 1930. She grew up in Kansas City, graduated from Southwest High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia. She taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade for four years before marrying the love of her life, Timothy O'Leary. She devoted her life to her husband of 58 years, six children and twelve grandchildren.

Darlene was loved by all who met her. She had a kind word, a hug and a kiss for everyone. The greatest gift she gave her children was her love for her husband. He was the house boy at Chi Omega at Mizzou. Her kids lovingly would say, "He started out as her servant at the Chi Omega House, and ended up as her servant." Mom suffered with Alzheimer's the last few years of her life, to the extent that Dad would help her get dressed, put on her make up and fix her hair, every day for several years. He truly lived out his vows of unconditional love and servanthood for Mom all the days of her life. She developed cancer two years ago and that's ultimately what took her Home to the arms of her Heavenly Father.

Tim and Darlene enjoyed an incredible life - a true love story. They loved to dance, winning several contests, and even attended a James Bond "Dressed to Kill" dance party a few weeks ago in September. It was common to see them dancing to Frank Sinatra in their living room and, incredibly, despite her Alzheimer's, Mom knew every word of those old tunes.

She was a member of Chi Omega sorority, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Young Matrons of Kansas City, Musettes, and the PTA for all six of her children, not to mention, driving her four sons and two daughters to all of their sports, swim, dance and other activities, thousands of times over the years.

Darlene leaves her husband, The Honorable Timothy O'Leary; son Tim O'Leary and his wife Kathleen and their children Timmy and Maddy Grace; son Terry and his wife Lynn and their children Ryan and his wife Kayla, Brendon, Thomas, Mary and Amy; son Tom and his wife Jennifer and their children Lindsey, Tommy and Addie; son Ted, daughter Lorrie and her husband Jon Ritchie and their children John Michael and Megan; and daughter Megan. Husband Tim said, "She was a true lady. She had such class. She was the love of my life. She died the way she lived: at peace with her God, her family and her friends."

Celebrate her life with us at the visitation, Monday, November 11, 2013 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial following from 11:00 a.m.- 12noon at Visitation Catholic Church. There will be a private family burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.