On Friday, April 18, 2025, Darlene Richmond, 89, left our world for a better pain-free place after a short illness, and surrounded by loved ones. She would have been 90 the end of May.

The daughter of Clinton and Ann (Aman) Persig, Darlene lived in Chicago, IL from her birth on May 28, 1935, until the family moved to Onekama, MI when she was a teenager.  Darlene graduated from Onekama High School with the Class of 1953.

On May 29, 1954, Darlene married Donald F. Richmond at St. Joseph's Church in Onekama.  They raised their family working together on a small fruit farm just outside of town until his death in 2003.

During her lifetime, Darlene was a mother of 6, a grandmother of 16, and a great-grandmother of 26.  Being around family was one of her greatest joys.  She was also a loving aunt to many, many, many nieces and nephews.

Beyond the family part of life, Darlene got her greatest pleasure from talking to people of all ages.  One of her true gifts was being genuinely interested in everyone she met.  It stood her well as a librarian, restaurant hostess, and sales associate at the Milliken store in Manistee.  Darlene loved visitors and had a passion for finding "treasures" at resale shops and yard sales, then displaying them beautifully in her home.

Darlene is survived by her children Terri (Barry) Barto, Gina (Tim) Lowe, Mary Grace Brzezniak, Don (Julie) Richmond, Dave (Beth) Richmond, Mike (Cheri) Richmond; grandchildren, Heather (Cris) Barto-Wiley, Tyler (Alyssa) Barto, Alex (Stephanie) Barto, Sarah (Bryan) Parshall, Rachael (Kevin) Womack, John Brzezniak, Ann (Evan) Richmond Garrett, Donnie (Jolene) Richmond, Adam (Kate) Richmond, Emma (Brad) Watterworth, Josh (Carli) Richmond, Grace Richmond, Emily Richmond, Hannah Richmond, Allison (Matt) Haston and Laura Richmond; as well as all her beloved great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Leslie J. Richmond.

In addition to her husband Don, Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Dan Brzezniak, many other extended family members, and dear friends that were like sisters to her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish in Manistee (St. Joseph's Church) at 1:00 PM with Rev. James Bearss celebrant.  Graveside ceremonies will take place immediately following the funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Onekama, MI. The family will gather at the church in Manistee one hour prior to Darlene's funeral Mass to receive friends.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements. herbertfh.com