Matriarch: A woman who is head of the family who has earned influence with people within her sphere from her strengths, commitment, and ability to love with wisdom and without condition. Known for her love, understanding and grace, she provides guidance, support, and stability to those around her.
The angels rejoice but this earth is much more somber as we announce that Darlene LaCroix, our cherished matriarch, departed this life on December 28, 2023, in Pottsboro, Texas at the age of 92.
Darlene Anntoinette LaCroix was born on December 27, 1931 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the only child of Polly Zglinsky and Joseph Beister. Her parents were full-blooded Polish, and Darlene was extremely proud of this heritage. She was raised during the depression and shared that Christmas morning gifts often consisted only of fruits and nuts. While in elementary school, two life-events would prove formidable. The first was her enrollment in Catechism where her close relationship with God and her deep faith, which never wavered, took root. The second was attending a music appreciation class where her lifelong love of music began. Not many are without a memory of experiencing Darlene singing, singing with her, playing the piano, or watching Darlene’s genuine expression while listening to her favorites like Puccini’s Nessun Dorma sung by the great Pavarotti.
Darlene’s father passed away when she was a teenager. Stories of “Mama and Papa” would resonate with the entire family throughout Darlene’s life. It was her close bond with her father, and the influence of her uncompromising mother, that molded her sense of self, character, strength, integrity, and perseverance.
Darlene graduated from North High School in Denver, Colorado in 1949. She was a cheerleader and the homecoming queen. She would frequently say that these were some of the best years of her life. She made lifelong friendships that would influence her character, and that she cherished.
Darlene attended The University of Denver and worked simultaneously at the School of Aeronautics. She was Freshman Queen and pledged Alpha Gamma Delta. She remained close friends with her sorority sisters her entire life. The day before she celebrated her 92nd birthday, her sorority sister Donna Bricker called her with Happy Birthday wishes. Darlene received her associates degree in Business administration: Airline-Airport Management in 1951 and immediately accepted a position with Braniff Airlines.
It was at The University of Denver in 1949 that Darlene met Ralph LaCroix. Dar and Ralph ran in the same circles and saw each other every day. They were best friends and very much in love when Ralph graduated in 1950 and moved to Chicago. They wrote letters and had the occasional telephone call. Their romance continued to blossom, and Ralph mailed her engagement ring to Darlene’s best friend who proposed on his behalf. Their wedding took place on September 1, 1951 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Denver. After their honeymoon in Estes Park, the couple lived in Chicago where Darlene worked for Delta Airlines for a short stent before returning to Denver. In August of 1952 they welcomed their first son, Mark. Shortly after, their first daughter, Barbara was born in 1953. In true Catholic form, Scott was born in Loveland, Colorado in 1955. Shortly after buying their first home in Boulder, Colorado, Jeffrey was born in January,1957. Darlene worked a part-time job at Frontier Airlines in downtown Denver and would often take the kids to work hiding them under the counter when customers walked in the door. Customers would come in and she would climb a ladder behind her that scaled a chalk board, and she would mark an “X” to indicate seats occupied on the outgoing flight. She loved her job, and her favorite plane was always the DC-3.
Because of Ralph’s upward mobility at Uniroyal, the family relocated many times over the next few years. The family moved to Dallas in June of 1964. In 1965, a move to Houston was followed shortly by the births of Kristen, and Janina in 1965 and 1967, respectively. 1968 landed the family in Southbury, Connecticut followed by Cumberland, Rhode Island in 1970. It was here that Dar found her calling to civic duty and volunteerism beyond her local Parish. She joined the League of Women Voters and felt a resurgence of self and independence outside her daily life of wife and mother. She also volunteered at the local library, delivering books to local nursing homes. While living on the East coast, she also experienced her “15” minutes of fame – appearing on her favorite game show, Jeopardy, and winning $600 and a set of Compton Encyclopedias.
In 1975 the family returned to Texas and it was not long before Darlene felt a resurgence to return to work. Her love of travel led her to become a travel agent at The Travel Place in Richardson, Texas. She would remain there until 1985 at which time she opened her own agency, Travel World of Allen. She was extremely well versed at planning client’s business and worldly travels and was highly respected. The more complicated the trip the more she loved it. Her agency was bought by Canyon Creek Travel in 2000 where she remained, until choosing to semi-retire and plan travel for vacationing clients on a case-by-case basis.
When the family moved to Allen, Texas in 1977, they became one of the founding families of St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Again, lifelong friendships developed (do you see a pattern here?) and the best of memories were made.
Darlene was committed and devoted to the Rotary Club. She served as President of the Allen chapter from 1996 to 1997 and was presented the Service Above Self Award in 2005 in recognition of her accomplishments. For 10 years, she delighted in hosting rotary exchange students in their home and became close friends with many of the parents and remained close to these students in their adulthood. She also opened her home to Polish families that migrated to the area and were in need. This was a spontaneous and natural homage to her heritage, but the return was tenfold as they became lifelong friends. She truly exemplified the values of compassion and service.
Retiring to Pottsboro, Texas near Lake Texoma, and building two homes before downsizing, Ralph and Darlene enjoyed their retirement amidst newfound friends who became “old friends” over their 23 years at “The Lake”. Dar remained active in church and sang in the choir for as long as her voice allowed. She was instrumental in expanding the local library and was an active member of the International Women’s Club.
Darlene was a travel enthusiast. Her adventures included most of the lower 48, Africa, Alaska, Australia (4 times), Austria, Bermuda (4 times), Canada, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland (3 times), Puerto Rico, Scotland (7 times), Singapore, St. John, St. Thomas, Switzerland, Tahiti, The Holy Land, and The Netherlands. It would be remiss not to mention her dearest of friends in Scotland, Ian and Lyn Ladd, whom she loved as her own.
Dar loved the game of golf, a hand of bridge, Jeopardy, watching a golf tournament or a football game, and she had a constant thirst for knowledge. She was extremely competitive; no matter your age, there was no chance of “letting you win”. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping, fishing, sewing, needlepoint, crochet, and bowled in a few leagues. She played piano, dabbled in watercolor and drawing, sang in church choirs, chorales, and cantered Sunday mass. She thrived in the chaos of planning a large community event or a huge family holiday. Everyone knew all was in good hands when Darlene was in charge, and humility and selflessness were her strong character points that lead such charges.
Darlene was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and love for her family. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our lives, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. As a mother, Darlene was the heart of her family. Her children were her pride and joy, and she dedicated herself to nurturing them into compassionate, capable individuals. Her genuine guidance, transparency, and unconditional love laid the foundation for a legacy that will weather this loss and storms to come together.
A devoted spouse, Darlene shared a lifelong love for Ralph, creating a partnership that served as an inspiration to many. Their journey was marked by resilience, mutual respect, and unwavering support and of course some bumps—a testament to the enduring power of love.
She was a beacon of kindness and grace, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth and generosity were boundless, and she had a quick sense of humor and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Whether it was through her comforting words, nurturing embrace, homemade bread, a wave in the driveway or a kiss hello or a kiss goodnight, Darlene created a priceless and unforgettable home for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Dar’s spirit of adventure and curiosity knew no bounds. Throughout her life, she embraced new experiences, cultivated meaningful relationships, and shared the joy of discovery with those around her. Her zest for life was contagious, and her laughter will echo in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of sharing in her joy.
In this time of grief, let us remember the love and care she gave, the lessons she imparted, and the indelible mark she left on our lives. Na zdrowie!
Darlene is survived by her son, Mark, and his children Brian (Melanie), Lauren (Daniel) Sommer, Daniel (Brittnie), and Jacque (Peter) Hince; her daughter Barb (Gene); her son Scott (Deb) and his children Corby (Cari), Weston (Jessica), Michael (Britt), and Ryan; her son Jeff (Rita) and his children Audra, and Mary (Davis) Coghlan; her son-in-law Mike Kistner; her daughter Janie (Rick) Wilcox and her children Hank and Kelly; and 19 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents (Polly and Joe), her stepsiblings (Carroll, Jimmy, and Margaret), Ralph, her beloved husband of 72 years, and her precious daughter Kris.
A Celebration of Life will be held, Monday, January 8th at 2:00pm at St. John the Apostle Episcopal Church, 760 FM120, Pottsboro, Texas 75076 with a reception and remembrances to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John the Apostle Episcopal Church or St. Jude’s Hospital.
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” – Billy Graham
