Darlene Alice Leitsch

Darlene Alice Sullivan Leitsch, unto God July 15, 2021.

Darlene was very much loved by all who knew her.

Darlene Leitsch was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Thomas D Leitsch, Sr.; as well her parents, Harold E. and Alice W. Sullivan; sister, Patricia Damerjian; brother, Michael Sullivan;  sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Mollet, Mary Berger, Charlene Leitsch,  Ruth Ann Sullivan, Sue Farmer, and Georgia Goldsmith; and brothers-in-law, Arthur Damerjian, Robert Berger, Paul Leitsch, Wally Eilers, Cliff Mollett, Gene Farmer, and  Shelby Goldsmith.,  

She is survived by—and the very proud mother of—seven children, Lori (Mario) Trentanelli, Ivy (Nick) Lenarz, Margaret, Thomas Jr. (Kelly), Amy Klein, Sean (Linda), and Sarah Finn.  Grammy of Patricia, Phillip, Michael, Corinne, Melissa, Allison, AJ, Jonathan, Tommy, Ryan, Kevin, Tony, Meaghan, and Daisy.   Great Grandmother (GG) to Braiden, Caiden, Emily, Phillip, Callie, Cooper, Finn, and Norah.  Loving godmother of Bob Feuling.  Beloved aunt of many, many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by in-laws, Judy Eilers, David Fulford, Anita Fulford.

Darlene was born in 1937 in Chicago, IL.   She met her husband Tom and they married when she was 18.  They resided in Chicago for many years, relocating to the far northern suburbs in the late 1980’s.  Many of their children followed them.  Darlene and Tom were the hub of their family. 

Who was Darlene Sullivan Leitsch?  A wife, mom, sister, aunt, confidant, adviser, friend.  She was always there for everyone. A child could go to her when in need.  She was an awesome cook.  She had a God-given talent in baking.  She could whip up some of the finest bakery goods and meals almost out of thin air.  She amazed us all.    She was a most avid Chicago Cubs fans.  Her early years, she grew up in the shadow of the friendly confines of Wrigley field.

Darlene had the Irish about her.  You always knew where you stood with her.  God help you if you crossed her path in a negative way.  She was swift to put you in your place and set you straight.  Mom lovingly worked for many years at St. Bede School in Ingleside, IL, where she served the students by working in the office.  She always had that piece of candy at the ready and would wipe away a tear or give a hug.  She was a healer. 

Darlene was a member of St Bede’s parish in Ingleside, IL.  Darlene was very much loved by all who knew her.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 24, at Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Bede Church, 36455 N. Wilson Rd., Ingleside.  A reception will follow.  Future inurnment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Carlyle, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

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