Forever grateful to be inspired by her legacy of learning, laughter, and love, we announce the passing of long-time resident of Solon, Ohio, Darlene Rosemarie Stanek (nee Villari). Darlene was brought home to the Lord on September 3, 2025, surrounded by family and comforted by prayer.
Born on March 18, 1937, Darlene was the cherished wife of Jim Stanek, loving mother to Kimberly (Tom) Sims, Jim “Scott” (Karen), Mark (Sally), and Gary (Kathy). She was the treasured grandmother to Jimmy, Courtney, Matt, Melanie, Christina, Samantha, J.D., Justin, Tommy, Marky, and Danielle. Due to her longevity, Darlene was great-grandmother to 19, with more yet to come. Darlene was loving sister to Jack (Kathleen) Villari and Mary Lou (Tom) Zarlengo. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Sam and Grace Villari. Throughout her lifetime, Darlene pursued many interests at which she excelled.
A naturally gifted and talented singer, she voluntarily gave up a singing career to raise her family. Although she gave up it up as a career, Darlene never really quit singing. Many a grandchild looked forward to the ritualistic birthday phone calls from Grandma, which always included Grandma singing. Darlene even added her own verse: “May the dear Lord bless you…”, which she sang to the tune of Happy Birthday. Committed as a mother, Darlene was constantly involved in her children’s lives, whether it was in the PTA, youth sports, girl scouts, or the youth ministry. Despite her busy schedule as a mother, Darlene still made time in service of others. This included her work at Sunny Acres Hospital, where she provided care for the disabled and terminally ill patients.
Darlene made sure these patients always felt valued, extending to them compassion and empathy as if they were her own family. She did this in part by arranging for pet therapy at the hospital, gardening with her patients, and organizing festive holiday parties so they never felt alone on special occasions. And of course, Darlene sang to them. Darlene’s proudest accomplishment was always her family. She loved the time she spent working with her sons at their business, T.L.C. Landscaping, which also sponsored a softball team that was eventually full of generations of Staneks, all of whom excelled at the game. It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that Darlene was the team trainer, managing alongside her husband Jim, who also played on the team. And while Darlene was an ardent supporter of those around her, she was never afraid to step onto the diamond herself. Darlene was a talented softball player in her own right, playing alongside her daughter Kimberly, and carrying a reputation for having a golden-glove at shortstop and being a fearsome hitter.
As Jim and Darlene’s family grew with the birth of each grandchild, they adopted a tradition of planting a new evergreen tree to mark each occasion. The trees grew proudly in their backyard on Janet Boulevard, right next to the garden that Jim and Darlene tended together for decades. Lots of the vegetables grown with love in that garden made their way into the holidays hosted by Jim and Darlene, which brought family together from afar. If Darlene could be said to have had a guilty pleasure, it was spending time on the boat with Jim. The peacefulness of Lake Erie, alongside Jim, is where Darlene was often happiest. A formidable fisherwoman in her own right, Darlene enjoyed sharing this passion with her children, and then her grandchildren, and eventually even her great-grandchildren. After Jim and Darlene decided to retire, they relocated to the Villages in Florida, where Jim continued playing softball well into his 80’s. Darlene was his biggest cheerleader and deserves much credit for Jim’s impressively long career in softball. He always said “she is the wind beneath my wings”, and he may have never been more right about anything. Darlene was selflessly devoted to Jim, unconditionally, and forever.
As the toils of age slowly took their toll, Darlene and Jim eventually moved back to Ohio to be closer to their family, finally residing at the Anna Maria Senior Community, where Darlene enjoyed bingo and the musical programs. Most of all, she enjoyed being with Jim, and once again having her children and grandchildren close by. After taking up their new residence, Jim and Darlene joined Holy Angels Catholic Church to continue their lifelong devotion to their faith.
They were quickly embraced by Father Max and the rest of the congregation, who made sure that Jim and Darlene had front row seats at mass every Sunday. To no one’s surprise, Darlene still sang every week. Darlene was in all respects the epitome of determination, devotion, and a life well-lived. She was fostered by her faith in God and her belief in the importance of doing good for others. Darlene will be missed dearly by those fortunate enough to have known her, for to have known her, was to have loved her.