Darlene Oliver
October 29, 1947 — October 20, 2024
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Service Details
Darlene Frances Oliver passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, at the Sutton House, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 29, 1947, at Iowa Lutheran in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Frances and Desiderio Andreini of Waukee, Iowa.
Darlene grew up in the Shuler Mine camp area, a famous tight-knit community in Waukee known for its Italian heritage. She graduated from Waukee Community School in 1965. Upon graduation, Darlene worked for the Polk County Community Action Council. At 23, Darlene worked as the secretary to the Postmaster in downtown Des Moines. Subsequently, she worked at Meredith for 11 years coding subscriptions, spent time as an at-home court reporter and enjoyed a 20-year career with the Iowa Agricultural Development Authority in loan administration. A devout Catholic, in her later years Darlene worked for the Diocese of Des Moines in vocations, assisting young aspiring priests on their journey of faith.
Darlene married Curtiss Wayne Oliver from Nevada, Iowa in 1970. The couple was together for 51 years and are the parents of two sons, Anthony Christopher (Penny) of Waukee, IA, and Andrew Curtiss (Italia, step-grandson Jessiah) of Long Beach, CA. Curtiss passed away in 2021 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Desiderio, and is survived by two older brothers, Gilbert Andreini (90) of Des Moines, Iowa and Bruno Andreini (86) of Dallas Center, Iowa.
Darlene was an active member of Christ the King Church and spent many years volunteering at the church in various capacities. Other interests included crafts, cross-stitch, jewelry-making, journaling and spending time with her late cockapoo, Olivia. Darlene was also well-known for her huge strawberry collection and love for the strawberry, which she admired for its resemblance to a heart.
The family will greet friends Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the rosary prayed at 7:00 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street. Darlene will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ the King Catholic Church in loving memory of Darlene.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Senior Helpers and Sutton House for their compassion and excellent care.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Mary Jo Gamble
10/23/2024
I have on my “Special Friend’s Birthday Calendar” Darlene’s birthday coming up October 29th; this year her birthday will be a special celebration in Heaven. I found Darlene to be a delightful and valued friend with whom I became more familiar during our Christ the King CRHP retreats. To the family, Jerry and I send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Mary Jo Gamble, Tucson AZ
Pam Wheeler
10/22/2024
To All Who Loved Darlene,
We were blessed in our lives by her kindness and her joyful heart and her prayers. Darlene was my mom’s neighbor in Clear Lake, Iowa. Darlene generously opened her lake house for me to stay in whenever I went to visit my mom (Barb) who lives across the street. I will forever treasure this gift from Darlene as it allowed my mom and me to be spontaneous in our adventures and also to have our quiet times. Darlene and Barb were friends for over 30 years. It was such fun when we were all together as we would take long, exploratory drives around the lake. We even discovered old, tiny churches tucked in here and there that are still used today and open to the public. Together, we went to the annual vintage car show, the 4th of July parade downtown, the fireworks rising high over the lake, the summer carnival, and the antique show in the park. Together, they were always such fun like two chatting like sisters. To love is the greatest gift of all. And, she was a truly a gift.