Obituary of Darlene Josephine Bertolin

It is with profound sadness that the family of Darlene Josephine Bertolin (Muzzin) announce the sudden passing of their beloved mother. Darlene is survived by her children: Robert Bertolin (Sonia), Diane Bertolin (Charles), Jennifer Bertolin, and daughter-in-law Anna Lisa Bertolin. Her cherished grandchildren—Micaela, Isabella, Giovanni, Dante, Lucas, and Matthew Bertolin—also carry her memory in their hearts.

She is also survived by her two sisters, Lois Muzzin-Evoy and Louise Bailot (Louie), as well as her treasured nieces and nephews: Bruna Mottin, Roland Muzzatti (Shirley), John Muzzatti (Karen), Donna Moher (Dan), Lynn Cambly (Michael), and Larry Muzzatti. Her dear friends, Moira and Norm Diffey, were like family to her.

Darlene was predeceased by her beloved son, Michael Anthony Bertolin; her partner, John Lindsey; her sister Norma (Elmo); her brother-in-law, Rick Evoy; her sister and brother-in-law; Elia and Gus Muzzatti, and her parents, Zelda and Luigi Muzzin.

Darlene passed away suddenly on January 15, 2025, due to cardiac arrest. Her two daughters, Diane and Jennifer, were by her side as she peacefully departed. Though her loss is devastating, her children and grandchildren take pride in calling her their mother and grandmother.

Darlene was the second oldest of four sisters born in Fort William, Ontario. Raised by a strong matriarch, Zelda Muzzin, Darlene grew up with a foundation of resilience, love, and the belief that women should be educated. She followed her calling to nursing, entering training at St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1958 and graduating in 1961.

For Darlene, nursing was never just a job; it was her vocation. She dedicated her career to geriatric and palliative care, providing compassionate, dignified, and thoughtful care to her patients. She often formed deep bonds with her patients and their families, ensuring that no one faced their final moments alone. Despite the emotional toll, she never wavered in her commitment to being there for others.

Her greatest joys in life were her children and grandchildren. Darlene loved making big family meals, baking everyone’s favourite squares, gardening, and sharing newspaper clippings on everything from politics to recipes. Whether babysitting, attending hockey games on FLO TV, or showing up for dance recitals, she was always present. Her thoughtful gestures, like leaving newspaper clippings on kitchen counters, were small but meaningful tokens of her enduring love.

When her children married, Darlene welcomed their spouses and extended families with open arms, embracing them as her own. Her love knew no bounds, and she made everyone feel like an integral part of her family.

In retirement, Darlene pursued her love of learning and community. She attended Elder College at the University of Windsor, sang with the Windsor Community Choir, and avidly supported the symphony. She also found joy and connection at the Life After 50 Senior Centre, where she cherished her friends and activities, from Zumba classes to coffee chats. Her retirement was vibrant and purposeful—a model of how to live fully.

Though life brought its share of hardships, including the profound loss of her son Michael, Darlene faced every challenge with resilience and grace. She found joy in life’s moments and taught her family to do the same.

In a note to her children, discovered taped to her will, she wrote words that encapsulate her essence: “May your impact on others be kind, and theirs on you be loving. And may you always, always, know and remember how I love you with all my heart, now and forever.”

We love you too, Mum, with all our hearts, now and forever.

Visitations will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – Central Chapel (1700 Tecumseh Rd. E., 519-253-7234) on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home followed by a luncheon at the Windsor Yacht Club. All are welcome. The funeral service will also be live-streamed HERE.

Darlene will be interred in Thunder Bay, Ontario, as per her wishes, alongside her parents. A service for family and friends will be held in Thunder Bay during the summer of 2025.

In honour of Darlene’s memory, we invite everyone to come together and celebrate the remarkable life of a woman who touched so many with her kindness, strength, and unwavering love. If you wish to donate in Darlene’s name, please direct it to Life After 50 at https://www.lifeafterfifty.ca/donate