Darlene Kay Hermann

After a beautiful life, Darlene Kay Hermann (Pearson), 80, of Oak Park, MI passed away in the early morning hours of July 16th, 2026. A beloved mother, sister, grandmother, cousin, aunt and friend, Darlene is survived by her son Derek, daughter Renee, grandchildren Greyson, Tanner and Skyler, sister Karin, brother-in-law Paul and nephews Jake (Jo) and Adam (Laura). In addition, she is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends and neighbors all of whom held a special place in her heart. Darlene was born on February 6th, 1946 in Detroit, MI and grew up in Oak Park, MI with her mother (Ruth), father (Charley) and sister (Karin). She graduated from Berkley High School in 1964 where she met her future husband Randy… marrying him in 1967. Once her kids were old enough, Darlene wanted to go back to work, getting a part-time job in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI before being promoted to a full-time Attendant. After working in the NICU for a number of years, Darlene went back to school, taking classes at Oakland Community College at night to earn her Associates degree in Business Administration. With the new degree in hand, Darlene transferred to Beaumont's Financial & Operational Services department, working as a Patient Services Coordinator for the hospital system's Appointment Center. Ultimately, she worked at Beaumont Hospital for almost 30 years before retiring in 2008. Retirement allowed Darlene to spend more time doing the things she enjoyed most… traveling, gardening, home improvement projects and spending time with family and friends. She was always up for playing cards (euchre and pinochle), board games (Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble) or working a good puzzle. She loved getting together with her family and friends whenever possible, especially her Pinochle Group. Darlene enjoyed going to plays/musicals at the various theaters around metro Detroit, as well as going to the movies; the historic Redford Theater was one of her favorites! She was also a huge Motown fan, often singing and dancing whenever she heard one of her favorite songs or artists playing. She became active in both the Oak Park and Royal Oak Senior Centers, embarking on numerous day trips across the region with her friends. Above all else, Darlene was such a proud grandmother! She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them whenever she could, or attending their various school activities, recitals and sporting events. Darlene was preceded in death by her mother (Ruth), father (Charley), ex-husband (Randy) and son-in-law (Mike). There will be a visitation and memorial service at Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Road (4 blks E of Woodward), Royal Oak, MI for family and friends on Thursday, July 30 from 1-8PM and Friday, July 31, 9AM until time of service 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Share your memories at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.

Darlene Kay Hermann

February 6, 1946 - July 16, 2026