Darleen F. Kosmatka

Darleen Francis Kosmatka, 83, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.  She was born in Milwaukee on May 20, 1940, to the late William and Eileen (Blazek) Okonek.  She married Thomas R. Kosmatka on December 31, 1960.

Darleen, who is affectionately referred to as "Dolly", and her husband Tom, were married on New Year’s Eve in 1960 having dated for several years after being set up on a blind date.  Shortly, thereafter, they bought their home in Oak Creek and started their family.

Darleen and Tom were the parents of four daughters, Annette (Ted) Williams, Rene (Paul) Ambrose, Michelle Kosmatka, Bridget (Patrick) Thyne; six grandchildren, Karl (Becky), Amanda (Nick), Nicholas (Anna), Samantha, Graham (Brooke), Abby and Eric, and seven great-grandchildren; Chase, Evan, Sophia, Dominic, Belmont, Archer, and Princess Daphne.  Darleen is also survived by two brothers, Michael (Karen) Okonek, and Timothy (Beverly) Okonek, her sister, Patricia Szmurlo, and her sister-in-law Kathy Todd.  She was blessed with many nieces, nephews, friends, and caring neighbors.

Darleen worked many years in the health care field as a ward clerk, nurses aid, and home health care provider.  She was an avid quilter and crafter; making quilts for each of her grandchildren and knitting shawls for her grandchildren’s weddings.  No Christmas went by without a handmade gift from Grandma Dolly for each of her children and grandchildren.  Darleen could often be found in her chair with Sushi the cat on her lap, working on one project or another or reading a book.  If she was not there, she could be found working in her garden.

Darleen was predeceased by her parents Eileen (Blazek) and William Okonek, and her daughter Annette Williams.  The family would like to thank the staff from St. Luke’s Hospital tenth floor cardiac unit for their care for her and her family.  Darleen’s love of learning about other people’s stories helped her through her hospital stay.  The family would also like to thank the staff at Zilber Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Max A. Sass and Sons, Greenridge Chapel, 4747 South 60th Street, Greenfield, from 10 am to 12 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.  A funeral service will follow at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the Boerner Botanical Gardens or Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee.