Darlene E. DeGraeve

Darlene Esther DeGraeve, 74, devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished sister, died at UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Born in New Kensington on August 31, 1947 she was one of seven children to the late Abraham and Rebecca Townsend Calhoun. 

Darlene was a 1966 graduate of Burrell High School and went on to train to be a beautician and owned a hair salon in Springdale prior to having children and building a home with the love of her life the late Leo Eugene DeGraeve Sr. who passed in 1992. Quite a talent with her hands, Darlene made beautiful stained glass, and had a knack for capturing memories in scrapbooks, but above all, she captured the hearts of everyone who crossed her path.  She dedicated her life to helping those she cared for, dropping everything and anything to make sure her people had all they needed and more.  She was the ultimate homemaker, mother, and caring grandmother with a tender heart of gold, and a giving spirit that led the way as a guiding light to her family. Darlene was also an active member of her community serving as a past Matron of the former New Kensington Chapter 158 prior to their merger with Springdale Chapter 453 Order of the Eastern Star.

In a life filled with generosity and compassion, Darlene’s abiding faith in God and her determination gave her the strength and fortitude to carry on daily and find joy and see the beauty in everyone.  She met people with a smile and a hug, exemplifying kindness and support which will be so deeply missed most by her surviving sons; Kevin and Derek (Misti) DeGraeve; eight beloved grandchildren, Kaden, Kallie, Kirstin, Kaveri, Kylie, MiKayla, Daniel, and Gabriella DeGraeve; and her siblings, Richard Calhoun, Darla (Robert) Klugh, Rebecca (Daniel) Toaso, and Roberta (Wayne) McCann.   In addition to her parents and late husband, Darlene will be welcomed by her brothers, Duane and David Calhoun as she joins them in her next phase.

Please join us to honor and celebrate Darlene’s life with a viewing on Wednesday, February 2 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 FREEPORT ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 3 at 11 a.m. Burial will be private at Greenwood Memorial Park., Lower Burrell. To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Darlene please visit www.rossgwalker.com. 

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