Our mom, Darlene O’Leary also fondly called Momma O in her younger days died Sunday morning August 9th at the age of 83, after a four month struggle after a fall. The four months spent at Cooney Nursing Home, mom made many friends with the staff and they all fell in love with her smiles and hugs. Her two daughters were at her bedside when she passed but her whole family including her wonderful grandkids supported her on a daily basis.
She was born October 26 1931 in Kalispell, Montana to William and Laura (Lockridge) Houston. She married her love of her life David O’Leary one of the fighting O’Leary brothers on July 30, 1949. Working most of her life in Helena with her favorite job was when she worked at the Rialto for a few years. She worked as Lewis & Clark County Treasurer in Helena for 12 years until she retired to take care of her husband who had cancer. Even though that was a hard undertaking it was after that she found answers to where is my dead loved one and a new found faith. She became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1984 and the promises God gives us sated in the bible are what sustained her. She was looking forward to the promise when God said He will make all thing new and most of all the Resurrection hope when she will see her love of her life again.
We will all miss her demanding hugs and sweet smile and the love she showed her spiritual family and was given back 100 fold during those four months.
She leaves behind her four children: John & Clydeth O’Leary, Linda & Bob Swanson, Betty & Dale Hauck all of Helena and Tim & Kathy O’Leary of Boise, Idaho; brother Bill & Karen Houston, East Helena; sister-in-law Sharon Sievers, Lolo, MT. She was most proud of her 13 grandkids, 26 great grandkids and one great- great grandson. She also had a special love for all the O’Leary clan young and old. We want to acknowledge one very good friend mom had through the years, Shirley, who still to this day called her boss and I am sure she would say Goodbye dear friend if she could.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, August 29 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 2:00 pm, 21 South Colonial Drive. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
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betty hauck says
at momma O’s house never a dull moment either card playing hopscoth jacks taking ones to the lake or going to outdoor movie she cared about the whole neigborhood so she would take all who wanted to go and the car was always full you will truely missed by us all love u mom
Lorrie Dana says
I know how much we always want our moms, but the thought of seeing them healthy and happy, enjoying a peaceful life as friends forever can keep us going!
Lorrie Dana
Lorrie Dana says
We always want our moms, but the thought of both of them healthy and happy, enjoying a peaceful life together as friends is what keeps us going!
Lorrie Dana
Marlene Coyle (Longfellow) says
Was sorry to hear about your mom, I often recall spending time with all of you on Highland just up from us on Hillsdale, Dave and Darlene were my sons godparents and I loved talking to you kids as you walked by house. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. Blessing Marlene Coyle (Longfellow)
Timothy Williams says
One time when a bunch of us were going camping at what we called the ranch, there was a line of cars waiting to go through the gait and up the hill to the camping area. It had rained and the road was about ankle deep with mud and water. I was directly behind Darlene and Linda and I could see there was a cow in the middle of the road holding everyone up. I yelled out my window for someone to get that fat cow out of the road. Darlene could not see the cow as she driving a low slung car and thought I was calling her a big fat cow. We laughed about that for years to come.
What a loving God we have in Jehovah who promise to resurrect faithful ones like Darlene and my mother and anyone else that passes through this system keeping their integrity.
Tim Williams
Annette Miller says
Darlene was such a warm and caring person, she always made everyone feel special. I’ll miss her hugs for now, but know that she’ll have plenty more of them to give when we see her again.
Kittie O'Leary LaFazia says
I grew up hearing stories from my Mom, Aunt Beverly and my two Aunt Darlene’s all about their shanigans while growing up in Marysville!! The Lemon Drop story was one that always would make them all grin…a bit deviously Aunt Darlene was always a major part of any O’Leary gathering – of which there were many – You were just always aware of her love for Uncle David, her children and the O’Leary clan. I will admit to being a bit envious of the family trips to Texas to visit family. I was also so pleased to help in a small way when the family came to Seattle seeking treatment for Uncle David. The old O’Leary family is disappearing to my great sadness and Aunt Darlene’s passing is another part of that loss. My love and condolences to my cousins and I will continue to find solace in the vision of her reunion with Uncle David and the “Fighting O’Leary” brothers. Kittie O’Leary LaFazia
Darla Flansaas says
I was very sorry to hear about your mom. I had the pleasure of working with her at the city for several years. She always had that great smile that shows in the picture. She was always good for some words of wisdom. There is one thing she always said that I will never forget because I made an error one time and she said to me “people who don’t make errors are working very hard”. I still repeat that saying to this day. Will miss her smile. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sandi 'Coyle' Benson says
Lit a candle in memory of A. Darlene O’Leary
Sandi 'Coyle' Benson says
Darlene was a beautiful person. I enjoyed talking with her as she was kind and always had a smile to share.
Jarrod O'Leary says
During the years apart, Aunt Darlene was always on our list to visit while in Montana. My children (Garrett and Eva) and I were so blessed to be able to see Aunt Darlene one last time last summer. I will always remember visiting Uncle Dave and Aunt Darlene at their house as a kid (the memories are still so vivid), the hugs and kisses that were always offered, and the overall love freely given to family and friends.
I am comforted by the fact that she is now at peace, basking in the glory of God. I will truly miss her and pray for continued comfort for the rest of my family during this difficult time.
I love you, Aunt Darlene. My memories are solid and you will always have a very special place in my heart.
– Jarrod, Garrett and Eva O’Leary