Darlene Lucille Cavalier's Obituary
Darlene Lucille Cavalier received her angel wings on December 9, 2022.
It is rumored that when Darlene approached heaven’s gates she went through every grandchild’s name before she could remember her greeter was Saint Peter. Before entering, she told him to be careful on the stairs and to make sure things were clean before she walked in. She didn’t have much baggage - a hanky in her pocket, a rosary in her hand, dangly earrings, and just a dab of makeup because her natural beauty radiated so profoundly. She carried an oversized bag with a Coke, sudoku puzzles and a few Hershey’s bars. Rumor has it she headed straight for Heaven’s lucky keno machines.
She didn’t ask God why she was there. She knew and she was ready. She had prepared her whole life to walk with Jesus as easily as she taught her grandkids every word to “Jesus Loves Me.”
Darlene was born on January 31, 1934 in Muskegon, Michigan to Marguerite and Michael Klasno, Sr. She married the love of her life, Michael Antonio Cavalier, Sr. on April 3, 1954 and they spent 68 beautiful years together, creating a wonderful family.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Patrick Klasno, Michael Klasno Jr., Walt Klasno, and one angel baby. Her mother and father-in-law Anna and Dominic Cavalier, brother-in-law Don Cavalier, and sister-in-law Nancy Voyt. Along with her lifelong friend Pat Peters.
She is survived by a family that loves her more than anything in the world - all the way to the sky. Her loving husband of 68 years, Michael Antonio Cavalier, Sr. Her sister, Eloda (Dick) Lifer. Her children Patricia (Jeff) Rotruck, Michael (Judy) Cavalier Jr., Mary (Dale) Brown, Teresa Miller (Alex Sereseroz), and John (Christine) Cavalier; and “adopted” daughter Karrie Lee Kiel. Her abundance of grandchildren loved her humor, her honesty, and the love she gave them unconditionally - praying for each of them every day of her life. Tommy Dudley, Trisha (Mark) McLaurin, Mary Cavalier, Tara (Tony) Hernandez, Jaclyn (Kevin) Wood, Andrea Miller, Jenny (Adam) Simon, Kristen Petrongelli, Stephanie (Rick) Ware. Great grandchildren Bailey, Joey, Max, Dylan, Mckenzie, Mason, Ryder, Ian, Lance, Logan, Noah, and Haven.
Darlene was a quiet and humble person who would want you to remember her for the smile on her face, the love and grace she gave, and the faith she held so tightly. Family will hold a private memorial mass, but notes of condolences and support to her groom of 68 years are appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (Muskegon), or your favorite reading and/or literacy program.
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