Darlene A. Domanski

Darlene A. Domanski passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving children. Darlene was born to Leo and Ruth (Klevorn) Schiel on July 31, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio. She grew up in east Toledo and was a proud graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School. Darlene met the love of her life, Leonard Domanski, on a blind date set up by their friends. After a brief romance, the pair became engaged and were married on February 6, 1971, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Their life as parents began in 1972 with the birth of their first son. The pair spent decades raising their family of six children in a warm and loving home in the Polish Village filled with both Polish and German traditions that were so important to both Darlene and Lenny. They were long time parishioners of St. Adalbert Parish where their children all attended school.

Darlene spent her career as a Registered Nurse working over 40 years in a profession she loved. Darlene’s career in Toledo led her to work at St. Charles, Mercy Hospital and St. Vincent’s where she built lasting relationships with her co-workers who inevitably became more like family.

Leonard and Darlene enjoyed 34 years of marriage until his passing in 2005. Navigating her new chapter without Leonard, Darlene moved to the retirement home that the pair had built in Gladwin, MI to finish out her nursing career at Mid-Michigan Medical Center. While not being local to Toledo was hard at times, she felt called to be “Up North”.  She spent her time traveling with friends, gardening, fishing and boating, playing her guitar, caring for her horses and truly loving her life in Northern Michigan. She also had a special companion in her beloved black Labrador, Macy, who brought her constant companionship and unconditional love.

Darlene had a passion for volunteering. Whether it was as a Boy Scout Pack Leader, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, or a line judge for volleyball games, she loved to support her children. After the children were older and she had time to pursue additional interests, she loved to volunteer with the Gladwin County Historical Society at their carriage festival and also found immense joy volunteering for the Toledo Metroparks at the Manor House at Christmas time.

She will be remembered for many things, but most of all her amazing artistic skills, her knowledge of the stars and planets, love of family and traditions, and most importantly, her everlasting faith through the toughest battles. Darlene is survived by her children, Anthony (Lory), Mark (Bear), Jennifer (Kevin), Jessica (Ryan), and Beth (Steve); grandchildren, Brennan, Dominic, Griffin, Logan, Dylan and Norah; sisters Nancy (Bob), Julie (Herb) and Gina (Eric), dear cousin Nancy (Ron); lifelong friend Annette, dear "Up North” friends Gayla, Nancy, Bev, and Kay and many nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, Darlene was preceded in death by their daughter Sarah, parents Leo and Ruth, sister Annette, and in-laws Stanley and Sophie.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Dr. Uppal and nurse Sara; the staffs of Mercy Health Cancer Centers in Perrysburg and St. Anne’s, Dr. Al-Khalili, Dr. Beydoun, nurses Beth and Claudia; and the entire staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the compassionate care of their mother throughout her journey.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darlene’s life during visitation on Thursday, September 24, from 2:00–7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo, OH 43623.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, OH 43623.

We invite all who knew and loved Darlene to join her family in remembering and celebrating the beautiful life she shared with so many. Your love, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated during this difficult time.

In memory of Darlene, please consider donating to Hospice of Northwest Ohio by clicking here.