(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Darleen Ann Chiappetta, née Hanley, died on July 23, 2026, just weeks shy of her 90th birthday. She was sharp-witted and independent to the end. A voracious reader, passionate arts enthusiast, lifelong learner, dedicated volunteer, active church member, seeker of social justice, peacemaker, and proud Kenoshan, Darleen touched countless lives through her curiosity, kindness, and commitment to her community.
Her children, Maureen (David) Engelhardt, Michael (Brenda) Chiappetta, Kevin (Ann) Chiappetta, Silagh (Steve) White, and Shaun (Joe) Vojtek; and her beloved grandchildren, Keara, Dan, Joe, Ryan, Erin, Bridget, and Stephen hold her memory most closely. She was preceded in death by husband, Richard; parents, Michael and Agnes Hanley; sister, Margaret “Midge” Roeser; and brother-in-law, Howard “Bud” Roeser.
Her Irish heritage was important to her. She introduced her children at a young age to appreciate the symbolism of the summer solstice. One reason she selected the little house she loved was its view of the sunrise over Lake Michigan. She taught responsibility, standing up for what you believe, and finding something positive in difficult situations, both through stern talks and, more importantly, by modeling those values herself.
Interweaving a love of the arts with a desire to care for others was a thread that ran throughout her life. Darleen graduated from Mount Mary College with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She worked as an occupational therapist at St. Catherine’s Hospital and The Dayton Hotel, a residential facility for people with developmental disabilities and veterans with service-related disabilities. She later returned to school to earn a certificate in accounting and served as an office manager for a local clinic before becoming Volunteer Coordinator for Kenosha Hospice Alliance.
In retirement, she pursued genealogy with enthusiasm. She drew upon her Irish storytelling tradition to animate ever-expanding family trees, sharing family lore with the Hanley and Chiappetta clans. She volunteered at the Kenosha History Center, where she delighted in meeting new people. Book recommendations came from a variety of sources and covered a wide range of topics. Darleen belonged to at least three book clubs and often read several books each week, seeing each one as a new adventure. Her constant love will be missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (7117 14th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53143) on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 at 11 A.M. A visitation with family and friends will also take place at church from 9 A.M. until the time of the Mass. Immediately following the Mass, Darleen will be laid to rest next to her late husband at St. George Catholic Cemetery privately with family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Kenosha Hospice Alliance, the Kenosha History Center, or the Kenosha Public Library.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Joanna King says:
Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.
Barb says:
Sorry to hear the loss of Darleen. We enjoyed being a part of her life. She will be deeply missed..❤️
The Right at Home Staff & caregivers 🤗
Silagh M White says:
Thank you Barb. You and Mom’s caregivers were an incredible support to us in Mom’s last weeks. It gave us all a sense of security knowing that her wishes to be in her home were granted through Right at Home.
Judy Reynolds says:
I remember her mostly from genealogy events. In more recent times, we would meet while shopping and have conversations. I had no idea she was dying.
Condolences to her family.
Karen Metallo says:
Darleen was such a compassionate and gentle woman of deep faith. She was so involved in Hospice, the community and St Mark. To know her was to love her!
Silagh M White says:
Judy,
Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 Kidney cancer in early December 2025. She survived 5 weeks of radiation therapy, but her immune system couldn’t tolerate the side effects. When she decided to end treatment, she spent her last days in her home, surrounded by her children. Her genealogy work is part of a rich legacy she gave to all of us. I’m glad you got to know her.
Silagh