Darlene A. Whalen

  Darlene A. Whalen, 88, of Streator passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at O.S.F. St. James Medical Center in Pontiac.

  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 10th at St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church, Streator.

  Visitation will be from 9-10:30 A.M. Friday, May 10th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator. 

  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Streator.  Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

  Born February 14, 1936 in Ottawa, she was the daughter of Boyce and Connie (Petzel) Ziegler.  She married John B. Whalen on July 16, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Church in Marseilles.  He preceded her in death on January 14, 1991.

  She is survived by sons, John (Mary) Whalen of Normal and Chris Whalen of Streator; daughters, Kathy Gore of Streator and Ann (Mike) Hadley of Peoria Heights; grandchildren, Angela (Mark) Zilch of Chicago, John R. Whalen of Evanston, Matthew (Anna) Gore of Streator, Ryan (Devida Anderson) Gore of Bloomington, Nathan Hadley of Peoria Heights and Liam Hadley of Peoria Heights; great grandchildren, Eva Zilch, Catherine Zilch, Matthew Gore, Layla Gore and Olivia Gore; and her good friend and companion, Jerry O’Kraski.

  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

  Born in Ottawa she was raised in the rural Marseilles area.  She graduated from Marseilles High School.

  She worked for over 40 years for Owens Illinois Glass Company until her retirement. 

  She was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.  She was active with her church through the years teaching CCD and performing in the church choir.

  In her retirement Darlene was able to travel extensively including wintering for several years in Arizona.  She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family.

  Memorials may be directed to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

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