In Loving Memory of Darlene Ann Strama (Desparrois) May 17, 1938 – May 1, 2026 

Darlene was the beloved wife of 41 years to John Strama. She was the loving mother to John (Gail) Strama, Steve (Kim) Strama, Darnell (John) Schneider, George (Cindy) Strama, Sandy (Rob) Hnat, Tom (Wendy) Strama, and Darnell Gutierrez. She was also the cherished Grandma to Gabrielle, Johnny, Katie, Kelly, Dan, John, Mark, Hayley, Bernadette, Elizabeth, George, Carolann, Kyle, Tyler, Rebecca, Shelby, Travis, Alan, Mason, Adam, and Ethan. Darlene was the dear Great-Grandma to Munai, Manny, Jacob, Jaxson, Jameson, Juliette, Arthur, Lennox, John Parker, Luke, Sophia, Landon, Lilly, Kiah, Luna, Easton, Egan, Elliot, Kaydyn, Kamdyn, Kalijah, and Marie. She is the loving sister to Michael, Frank, and Betty.

Darlene was born May 17, 1938, to John and Mildred Desparrois. She was the only girl among six brothers whom she adored. Her journey of faith and service began early, attending St. Pius Catholic School. At the age of 17, she began working at Western Electric, where she met Betty, who later became her sister-in-law. 

On June 23, 1956, she married John Strama. Together they lived and started to raise a family in Chicago until 1964, when they moved to Oak Lawn, Illinois. For the next 54 years, Darlene took great joy in raising her six children. Darlene was the most loving, caring, and beautiful woman, whose heart had a soft spot for children of all ages; she loved them unconditionally. That love was returned to her tenfold. 

Darlene enjoyed crocheting, going to garage sales, and talking on the phone to family and friends. Her favorite saying was, "What the Sam Hill!" In the evenings, you could find her watching classic movies on TV while snacking on pumpkin seeds and drinking a Diet Coke, with her cat, T.T., curled up on her lap. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and prayed the Rosary daily. Our mom, Darlene, was a woman who was beautiful inside and out, filled with kindness, gratitude, happiness, and love; exactly what the world needs more of. She will be missed.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, New Lenox, IL on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 3 pm - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 with prayers at the funeral home at 10:00 am then to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Justice, IL for burial.