May 4, 1943 - August 10, 2025
Darlene Franzen DeSantis, 82, passed away suddenly but peacefully on August 10, 2025. Her family is deeply saddened by this loss and is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Darlene was born on May 4, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest daughter of Sigrid and Oscar Franzen, and beloved sister to her late brother, Ronald Franzen. In her early childhood, the family spent time living in Sweden before returning to Chicago, where Darlene was raised and graduated from Fenger High School in 1961.
She earned a degree from The American Academy of Art and later a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, where she was a proud member of Delta Zeta sorority. On January 29, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, David William DeSantis. They began their life together in DeKalb, Illinois, where Darlene taught art and welcomed their first two children, Dawn and Davy. The family then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where their third child, Danielle, was born, before eventually settling in Columbus, Ohio, where they raised their children.
In retirement, Darlene and David divided their time between Ohio and their beloved Hilton Head Island, SC. They thoroughly enjoyed this phase of life, yet somehow were able to attend countless soccer, basketball and baseball games, horse shows, swim meets, and robotic competitions to support their grandchildren. An artist at heart, Darlene infused creativity into every aspect of her life. She had a strong passion for life, family, and art, and she approached the world with deep curiosity, warmth, and engagement. She generously gave her time and unconditional love to her family and her many friends. Darlene was loved by everyone she met and will be remembered as an incredible wife, mother, sister, friend, and grandmother.
Darlene is survived by her devoted husband, David; her daughters, Dawn DeSantis Rempell (Michael) and Danielle DeSantis Lindimore (Josh); and her five beloved grandchildren Ryan, Jackson, and Samuel Lindimore, and Zachary and Andrew Rempell — along with her granddogs, Ted and Minnie. She was preceded in death by her son, David Joseph DeSantis, and her brother, Ronald Franzen. Darlene will also be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, her extended family in Sweden, and countless friends whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Art Institute of Chicago at https://sales.artic.edu/donate