Darlene Merchant

Darlene Merchant, age 103.5, of Lombard, passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her loving husband George B Merchant, subsequent devoted partner Thomas E Burdick, two of her sons; Gary Merchant (Lyn) and Dale Merchant (Laura), and younger sister Wilma (nee Zaske) Thomas (Lou). She was a beloved mother to Dean Merchant (Letha), Grandmother to Cliff Merchant (Renee), Stacey Ahrens (Wyatt), Stephanie Machalek (Adam) and Daniel Merchant (Allyson). Great-grandmother to Dale and Sophia, Haylee and Tatum, Nicholas and Lilliana, Connor and Zachary. Great-great grandmother to Bennett.

Darlene was born in Chicago, lived through the Great Depression, remained in the Chicago area where she graduated from Lake View High School and danced during the Big Band Era. Married in 1943, she was a devoted Wife, Mother, and multi-generational Grandmother to her family. Darlene, George and son Dean moved to Lombard in 1972. A few years after George’s passing, she began a second 30-year relationship with Tom, traveling locally and abroad, often at a moment’s notice. Always full of energy, she enjoyed volunteering when the opportunity presented itself and being a member of numerous organizations like Lombard Citizens Police, W.O.W., TOPS 2046 and Hospice. Her motto was “you make your own good times”, and she followed that belief to the fullest. Always a kind word and compliment for everyone she met, she truly was born beautiful and died beautiful.

Please join us for a celebration of her life from 2-7PM with a prayer service from 4-4:30PM on Thursday November 9th, 2023, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 (630)-741-5860

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelHillGardensWest.com for the Merchant family.