Darlene Mae Murphy, age 80, of Monroe passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Aster Assisted Living. She was born the daughter of Adalbert and Margaret “Midge” (Petrick) Pleshar on October 24, 1940 in Chicago, IL. Darlene attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated high school from Nazareth Academy. Darlene went on to attend Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. She was united in marriage to John L. Murphy on September 24, 1960 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westmont, IL. 

Darlene proudly took care of her family and home for many years. In 1985, she and John moved to Monroe, from Downers Grove, IL. Together they owned and operated Murphy’s Depot for 25 years. She enjoyed reading, collecting stamps and coins, sewing and cross-stitch. She was also a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor’s Catholic Church.

Darlene is survived by her sons, David (Peggy) Murphy of Monroe and Christopher (Sharon) Murphy of Wilmette, IL; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Sophia, and Elizabeth; siblings, Eunice, Adalbert Jr. “Butch”, and Robert Pleshar, Nadine Herion, Darice (Steve) Carlstrom, Sam (Patti) and Xaverie Pleshar. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Monsignor Larry Bakke as celebrant. Burial will follow service in Calvary Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9AM until the time of service, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Darlene’s name to St. Victor’s Catholic Church for the Holy Ground Phase II Project.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.