Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Darleen was adopted by William and Emma Kay and raised as their only child. Married in 1949 to Francis Eberly whom she divorced in 1977 after 28 years of marriage and 11 children. She was his loving friend and supporter when he was facing his final days and after his death in 1980 she considered and referred to herself as a "divorced widow" to acknowledge and help others to understand that you can still love and care deeply for someone even though you just cannot live with them any longer.

Darleen dedicated and lived her life in humble service to her God and others through Piety, Study and Action. She worked for the Diocese of Columbus for many years as Coordinator for Cursillo (later renamed Cum Christo) movement and the Personnel Office. In addition to her employment she was a willing and tireless volunteer working many teams, running errands and Rectoring many weekends. She was also actively involved in The Beginnings Experience for divorced, widowed and separated Catholics. She was actively involved in her home parishes of Our Lady Of Victory in Marble Cliff Ohio and later Saint Brendan's of Hilliard. She was proud to finally complete her Bachelor's Degree from Ohio Dominican College in the 1990's.

She was devoted to all of her children, grandchildren and their families and was so proud of all of them. She was a true friend; always present and available -- one of the kindest, wisest and most "real" women one could ever be blessed and privileged to know. I know she is walking and talking with Him in The Garden as He tells her she is His own.

"But when ye come, and all the flow'rs are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me."

Last verse of "Danny Boy" by Frederic Weatherly 1910