Darlene Carol Sangineto, 75, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019 in the comfort of her son’s home in Granbury, Texas. She was born June 16, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Lorraine Whalen Grabski.
Darlene was the graduate of Chicago Vocational High School in Chicago where she resided until relocating to Nevada in 1994. She was employed with U.S. Steel in production planning for 15 years where she took great pride in being afforded the opportunity to work with the first generation computer systems to enter the private workplace. Darlene was also employed as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the University of Chicago, Human Resource Director. She was later employed by Dr. Orth and managed the offices of the Illinois Retina Association In 1990 she overcame substantial injuries, including severe head/brain trauma sustained in an automobile accident which significantly impacted her cognitive abilities. While relearning to read, write, and speak she formulated a language of her own before her speech fully returned. Everyone close to her learned the new language and many of the words stayed with the family and became terms of endearment, including Dalkie, Jetska, and others. Darlene’s perseverance, determination, and courage through the rehabilitation process was remarkable, and inspirational. She exceeded the expectations of the Doctor’s treating her. In 1993 she navigated through the untimely death of her youngest son, Patrick at the age of 25. Darlene remained strong for her family and helped guide them through the painful loss and grief. In 2003 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and again her strength and courage was inspirational to all as she vehemently fought the disease to remission. In 2019 the cancer returned and she again fought with unyielding spirit to the very end before succumbing to her disease.
Darlene loved everything Elvis, and often recited a song from her youth “Sweet Leilani (Heavenly Flower)” by Bing Crosby. She enjoyed thriller-mystery movies, bingo and slots, ham sandwiches on rye, sunshine, and convertibles As kid’s, Darlene’s sons recall two of her favorite vehicles, a 1960’s red Pontiac convertible, and 1970 green Chevrolet Impala convertible as both were driven as often as possible on warm sunny days-with the top down needless to say. She gave all three of her son’s the same middle name of Michael to ensure they fell under the protection of St. Michael. Her son Timothy recited the Hail Mary and the Lord’s Prayer as Darlene departed this world.
She was preceded in death by her parents Walter Grabski and Lorraine Whalen; her youngest son Patrick; niece Kim; sister-in-law Carole; step-father Ted; and dear lifelong friend Sandy.
A gathering to celebrate her life for family and close friends will be held in Las Vegas on January 12, 2020. A small service will also be planned at Holy Cross Cemetery in Chicago.
