Darlene H. Mikowski
Darlene Helen (Donnelan) Mikowski, age 77, of Lansing, MI, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born on January 13, 1946. Darlene is survived by her children, Barbara Cairns, Bonnie (Bob) Cairns, Richard (Cindy) Mikowski and Amy (Tom) Wojack; her grandchildren, Nic Clark (Jessica), Kyle Clark (Claire), Derek Mikowski (Jenelle), Elizabeth, Drew, Cameron, and Callie; and her seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children’s father, Richard Mikowski; her mother, Ione Cherry; lifelong best friend, Ruthie; and son-in-law, David Cairns.
Darlene grew up in Yuma, Arizona, attending catholic schools, and moved to Michigan at seventeen years old when she married her former husband, Richard Mikowski. She worked for American Sunroof Corporation (known as ASC) for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren especially when she was cooking and baking for them as well as going out on Sundays with her best friend Ruthie. She loved watching Hallmark movies, judge shows, and spending the day gardening.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Steve Mattson at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Her family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.
Morning Star (a poem written by Darlene’s daughter Bonnie Cairns)
“Scribe of two mixed up sisters born of the Morning Star
In life we are born a star and no other shines brighter or lesser to a mother.
I can’t leave this earth until I know your hearts are healed. To believe I loved 1 child above another is your worst enemy.
Each of you were born Children of the stars above. The entity of no name, religion, color of skin, no crown or royal birth, each individual each equal.
I have all my prayers answered, my children are healthy in mind, body and soul.
What more could a mother ask for?
Yes we have struggled, it’s true our journey is not fair, yet all I prayed for was good health, mind, body and soul for each of you. I thank God of no name for that blessing.”
12 Messages to “Darlene H. Mikowski”
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Sarah Lewis
March 1, 2023 at 6:58 pmMay you always feel her hand on your shoulder and hear her laugh echo in your heart. My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother. Thinking of you and hope that you find peace and strength in the days ahead
Amy MikowskiWojack
March 2, 2023 at 11:03 amThank you Sarah. I love you, thank you for always being there for me!
Richard Mikowski
March 1, 2023 at 8:06 pmMy Mother always put others first and she taught me that giving is more rewarding then receiving, I wouldn’t be the Man I am today without her wisdom. I love you Mom and I we will be reunited soon.
Donald / Sue Fleck
March 2, 2023 at 10:00 amRichard, Susan and I are very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family. We love you all!
Janet Miller
March 2, 2023 at 10:44 amDarlene was such a sweet lady and we were blessed to have known her. She dearly loved her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad and difficult time.
Cindy Watters
March 2, 2023 at 11:00 amMy thoughts and prayers to the entire family! I pray that you continue to remember the many happy memories you all shared with her and that it brings you comfort in the days ahead. I recall the countless meals she provided my daughter during a challenging time in her life. The sweetest soul ~ God Bless you all!
Thaddeus Owen
March 2, 2023 at 1:46 pmOur deepest condolences to you Amy and your family. Your mom always had a smile on her face and I enjoyed her sense of humor. During this sad time, I hope you find the strength to keep moving forward knowing that your mom’s presence will always be with you. I’m sorry Brian and I can’t make the service since we are in California. Our thoughts are with you. Love to you.
Sue Wojack
March 3, 2023 at 11:38 amPraying for your family, Amy, Barb & Richard your mom is a terrific woman, even though I did not know Darlene as well as I should have but the times I spent with Darlene and just taking about everyday life I knew what a warmed hearted woman she is. Always there for her family. I knew that she was there for us all. My deepest condolences to all that knew Darlene, I feel so blessed just to have spent time with you Darlene may you rest in peace.
Kathy Smith Jozwiak
March 3, 2023 at 5:44 pmAunt Darlene had a heart of gold with this infectious smile and adorable laugh and sense of humor. She wasn’t one to show much outward emotion but I will never forget how she wrapped her arms around me and consoled me during the loss of my Dad. It meant so much coming from her. I’ll always cherish the fun times we had with her as kids. So many lovely memories of her. God Bless.
Kathy Smith Jozwiak
March 3, 2023 at 6:16 pm“Affection” rather than emotion.
Janet Craig
March 5, 2023 at 12:11 amAunt Darlene was my absolute favorite! Although I did not talk to her often, she always made me feel loved and important. I remember her babysitting me at about three or four years old. She had just got married in Yuma, Az. She reminded me a lot of her mother, my grandma. She always thought of others before herself Even though my mom and dad (her brother) divorced when I was 5 years old and she moved to Michigan, she always kept in touch with my mother. When she would come to Yuma, she would always visit my mom and my family. Family was important to her and she made us all feel important. My mom absolutely cherishes the time she got to spend with Aunt Darlene when her and Amy came to visit. I wish I would of made it to Michigan while she was still here, but I know I will see her again one day and can’t wait to spend time with my cousins. I’m praying for you all!
Cindy Hockstad
March 7, 2023 at 2:33 amthe memories which are left with each of us which had the blessings to know Darlene are so special…. we had so much fun together… dancing the polka among many other things,, She was a strong woman and a great mother…. I will always cherish the memories I have of your mother.
My heartfelt sorrow and prayers are with you all