Emily Darke

CUYAHOGA FALLS-Emily W. Darke,91, went home to be with the Lord on March 10, 2024. 

Emily was devoted to her family and friends and will be deeply missed by her son John Darke (Teresa), daughters Kathy Frye (Bernie), Susan Dark and Trish Buckalew (Tyler), grandchildren Michael Darke (Pam), Laura Kruger (Bob), Daniel Darke (Riki Lee), Ian Frye (Danielle), Ariel Frye and Sam Buckalew; great grandchildren Taylor, Ryan and Ethan Darke, Anneliese Kruger, Audrey, Eleanore and Miles Darke. great great grandson Onyx, sister Esther Amico, sister-in-law Kathy Wereb and brother-in-law Carl "Jackie" (Kathy) Darke, as well as many nieces and nephews, granddogs and an abundance of dear friends and neighbors. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fred, siblings, John Wereb and wife Rosie, Louis "Dewey" Wereb, James Wereb and Alice "Janie" Kohler, granddaughter Tessa Frye and grandson Jason Darke.

Our mom was a devoted and loving wife of 60 years, an exceptional mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, neighbor and friend. She seemed to know everyone and never met a stranger. She was the lady who talked to you in the elevator, or in line at the bank or grocery store. If she didn’t know you, she probably knew someone in your family.

She knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a lifelong devout Catholic. She loved God and her church family and worshiped at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was a link in the prayer chain, found great joy in crocheting prayer shawls for others, and in baking the best cookies the priests ever ate. She loved attending Mass and especially liked “Donut Sundays”.

She was feisty and liked to joke and laugh and would never miss an opportunity to hit the casinos to play the slots. She loved animals, enjoyed volunteering at Stan Hywet, liked music, dancing, reading, playing games, doing jigsaw puzzles, going to dinner with friends and family, and she gave us an appreciation of nature, art, and all things beautiful.

It was important to her and our dad to get the whole family together whenever possible, but especially for the holidays. We grew up celebrating all the holidays at their house, until we had homes of our own and could share in the hosting. A retired caterer, she loved to cook and bake for family gatherings. But most of all, she enjoyed being together.

She was an incredible mother who loved us deeply and we loved her. She taught us to obey our parents and authority figures, to respect others, to be responsible citizens, and she instilled good morals and values in us. She understood something that many parents today don’t seem to grasp - that it wasn’t her job to be our friend, but to raise responsible adults. Yet somehow, she still managed to be our friend.

She took pride in being able to care for herself and remain in her home, both of which were important to her. She lived her life her way, loving her family and friends and glorifying God.

Our mom passed away peacefully with her family by her side. It was a fitting conclusion to a life well lived. She will be forever missed.

Remembrances may be made to The Humane Society of Summit County or Hattie Larlham for their exceptional care of her grandson Jason. 

There will be a memorial visitation on Saturday. March 23, 2024 from 9am to 10:45am at the Clifford- Shoemaker Funeral Home 1930 Front Street Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221. A memorial mass will be held at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church. 1761 2nd St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Burial will take place at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home. To send condolences or sign the guest book, please visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com.