Darlene Jaffe-Sandberg, 69, of Kenosha, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.
She was born on April 13, 1948, to the late Lloyd and Carmella “Connie” (Gaudio) Jaffe in Chicago, IL. Darlene attended St. Mark’s School, and was a proud 1966 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Don T. Sandberg at St. Mark’s on September 9, 1967.
Dar discovered the accordion at the tender age of ten and spent countless hours entertaining her family and friends during the holidays. She would often distribute instruments such as maracas, tambourines and whistles in order to get the rest of the family to join along in her songs.
In 1969, Dar and Don welcomed their first born, a daughter, Michele Lyn. Three years later they would welcome a son, Scott Lloyd. They also played a crucial role in the raising of their niece, Sarah Jaffe Sukus. Parenting came easy for the Sandberg’s, as they were very involved in each of their seven grandchildren’s lives.
Darlene retired from the Kenosha County Child Support Agency in 2012. After her retirement she fulfilled a passion by volunteering with the KUSD Mentoring Program. She did what she set out to do, and that was to live a rich life. She loved her family, and swelled with pride with each of our individual accomplishments.
Dar and Don celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just this past September 9th with an Alaskan cruise. They loved to travel, and were fortunate to be able to share many casino trips together.
This past year Darlene had the opportunity to write for the My Turn column in Kenosha News. Her final article was published on November 27, 2017, and it was titled, “Dancing into the Sunset.”
Darlene is survived by her husband, and best friend of 50 years, Don Sandberg; children, Michele (Ted Jr.) Gianakos, Scott (Michelle) Sandberg, and Sarah (Peter) Sukus; her grandchildren, Zachary and Jenna Gianakos, Olivia Sandberg, Dade Theilman, Alexander Zanotti, and Christian and Sebastian Sukus; and nephew, Christopher Jaffe. She is further survived by her loving brother, Michael Jaffe, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lloyd and Carmella.
Visitation for Darlene will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church (7117-14th Avenue, Kenosha) with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be private.
Darlene’s family invites you to a luncheon following the services.
“To think I did all that
And may I say - not in a shy way
Oh no, not me, I did it my way.”
Proko Funeral Home and Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Darlene's Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com