Darlene J. Freer

Darlene J. Freer, 72, of Stevensville, passed away Thursday evening, February 15, 2007 in her home. Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday March 3, 2007, at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 1200 W. Glenlord, in St. Joseph, with the Rev. Melanie Lawrence officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 at the church. Memorials may be made to either Pilgrim Congregational UCC or to the Salvation Army. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com . Darlene was born December 21, 1934, in Kalamazoo. She was the daughter to Irvin and Henrietta Clemens. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1952. Darlene married David Philip Freer on New Year’s Day, 1954. Together they had four children; Chris, Mark, Paul, and Jennifer. Darlene worked for more than 30 years as a secretary for the Lakeshore Public School System. Later she worked for Berrien Teacher’s Credit Union. She was a longtime member at Pilgrim Congregational UCC and sang in the church choir. Darlene was also active in the Misfits – Senior Comedy Choir and in the Red Hat Society. She was an avid sports fan and loved to travel. She cared dearly for others and “touched everyone she met.” Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family and particularly with her grandchildren. Darlene is survived by her children, Chris of Stevensville, Mark (Gina) of Houston, TX, Paul (Sue Doroh) of Baroda, and Jennifer of St. Joseph; her grandchildren, Jessica (Jason) Pliml, Melissa (Warren) Freer-Smith, Sarah (Jason Wagner) Freer, Rachel, Daniel, Diana, Justin, Erin, and Nick Freer; and by her special friends, Julie Benben, Stella Anderson, Donna Sitek, Connie Hannah, Betty Ross, and Angie DeHaven. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Freer.