Darlene Ann Spalo

Darlene Ann Spalo, nee Kucera passed away peacefully in Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, Michigan on April 14, 2023, at the age of 77.

Born on November 30, 1945, she was the middle daughter of Henry James Kucera and Adeline Lauferski of Clarendon Hills, Illinois. She attended Hinsdale Township High School and worked in Chicago after graduation in 1963. She met her husband, Michael Frank Spalo on the ski slopes of Four Lakes in Lisle, Illinois. They took part in skydiving activities and spent many happy times together with lifelong friends made as members of the Hinsdale Trolls Ski Club. They were married in 1964 had three children; Cindy Spalo of Knoxville, Tennessee, Scott Spalo of Seminole, Florida and Nicole Spalo Juriga, of Lawrence, Michigan.

They made their home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois where they raised their children and partook in many village activities. Darlene often staged puppet shows for children in the community and did much volunteer work. Mike was employed with the airlines, so they were able to travel extensively. Unfortunately, Darlene was widowed with his untimely death in 1982, after which she went to work full time to support their children. She worked for a computer data company, a health club, the Morton Arboretum, the FDIC and later became a live-in caregiver to the elderly in Boca Raton Florida, Rye, New York and Paw Paw, Michigan which ultimately led to her final move to SW Michigan.

Settling in Lawrence, Michigan, Darlene became active in her community volunteering many hours and days with the Lawrence Library where she gathered books throughout the year at estate and garage sales to organize and conduct the very successful Book Fair during the Annual Ox Roast Days over Labor Day weekend. Darlene also recently received an honorary gratitude award for 10 years volunteer service from the Lakeview Foundation Community Thrift Shop in Paw Paw, Michigan.

Darlene is predeceased by her husband, Michael and her parents named above and her grandparents, Frank and Josephine Kucera, Mary Zitek Lauferski and Anthony Sedivy. She is survived by her children named above and sisters Terry and Judy, grandchildren Steven, Matthew, Samantha, Ashley, Jennifer, Michael, Charles, and Rebecca. Great grandchildren include Kylie, Ellie and Timothy. She had 5 nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer for friends and family members who wish to partake. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to The Friends of the Lawrence Library, P.O. Box 186 Lawrence, MI 49064 ATTN: Spalo Memorial. Checks should be made payable to the Friends of the Lawrence Library. They are not able to accept credit cards.  This is a non-profit organization and is tax deductible. Please include your name, address and phone as acknowledgments will be mailed or via email if provided . A six year old tree will be planted on the library grounds as Darlene has always loved nature and was also a member of the Conservation Club. Any overage funds collected will be used to purchase books that would be of Darlene’s preferred subject matter. A name plate will be put in each book recognizing the donation in honor of Darlene Spalo.