Darlene Motl

Darlene Motl, nee Schwebke, age 73, passed away on March 26, 2024, at her home in Crystal Lake, Ill.

Her spirit is carried on by her husband Charles “Chuck”; her brother Mark; her four boys, Brad, Brent (Jill), Blair (Doree) and Blake (Nicole); three grandchildren, Hailey, Cameron and Archie; and her extended family and friends from every walk of life.

Darlene was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wis., and she and Chuck met as students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall of 1970, married on March 3, 1973, and will remain together forever.

Darlene was stricken with breast cancer three times in the last 30 years of her life and never let the disease define her. Darlene was a force of nature, tall, slender and elegant. She was private and took care of herself without drama. Her faith was so strong that she seldom lost energy worrying about the future. “It’s in God’s hands” was about all she’d ever say about her health.

Darlene taught fourth grade at St. Peter Lutheran School in Schaumburg, Ill., and had the pleasure of teaching each of her children as they passed through St. Peter Day School. She also taught second grade at Sleepy Hollow Elementary in Sleepy Hollow, Ill.

“She has helped to change the world through every life she touched, including teachers,” fellow Sleepy Hollow teacher Zoki Cuvallo said.

She retired from teaching when she was told that it was no longer appropriate to touch her students. She said, “But I only hug the children who need it….” Her heart went out to the children who needed an extra boost; and she gave it quietly and without fanfare.

In retirement, Darlene ran Motl Day Care and sat for Cameron, Hailey and Archie from the time they were newborns.  So much of Darlene’s essence has rubbed off on the grandkids that her legacy will be felt for generations to come.

Darlene was a remarkable cook, self-taught. She’d go into a fine restaurant, dip her fork into a sauce and say, “I can make that!” And she did. She loved to cook for her family and circle of friends and never had trouble filling the room with those close to her.

Darlene was an accomplished quilter.Her corners were tight and so much thought went into the design and fabrics that each quilt was a work of art. She was so precise and patient. She was never limited by time and would oftentimes do and redo sections until they “were right.”

Unlike most Wisconsinites, Darlene didn’t much care for football and card playing, but she sure loved the parties. She and Chuck bought a weekend condo in Port Washington, Wis., and made the trip from Crystal Lake nearly every weekend for 25 years. She had a stool at the bar at Newport Shores restaurant and looked forward to Thursday’s Open Mic Night.

Darlene and Chuck joined the Port Washington Yacht Club 15 years ago without a boat, but she fit right in and was so proud when she was elected to the board of directors.

Most of all, Darlene was the Glue Girl. She held us all together.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. until the service at 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation at www.samuelbellmemorialfoundation.com.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Haight, 166 Symphony Way, Elgin, Ill.

For additional information, please contact The Haight at (224) 801-4166.

Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee, Ill., is assisting the family with all arrangements.

To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com. For information, please call (847) 426-3436.