Darlene Jo Elwood

Darlene Jo Elwood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on April 17, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas, after a brief battle with cancer. Born on July 19, 1946, in Nashville, Kansas, to Clem and Bernadine (Govert) Werner, Darlene lived a vibrant life characterized by kindness, generosity, and dedication to her community.

Darlene's early years began on a farm in Zenda, Kansas. Her family's active involvement in their farming community, including 4-H and church, created a strong foundation for prioritizing community engagement and philanthropy. As a student at Wichita State University, Darlene met Phil Elwood and they were married in June 1968. From Wichita they moved to Topeka where their daughter Denise was born. Phil and Darlene built a family centered on love, respect, and joy. Their enduring partnership of nearly 56 years was a testament to their deep affection and lasting commitment.

Darlene will be dearly missed by Phil, her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Denise and J.P. Walsh, and her adored granddaughters, Emma, and Molly Walsh of Rhode Island.

She is survived by her eldest brother, Ron Werner, and wife Lynette, and sister-in-law Donna Werner, wife of Darlene's brother Karl (deceased).

A proud alumna of Wichita State University class of 1968, Darlene's professional career was sparked by compassion and the desire to support others. She began work as a Speech Language Pathologist at the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita. Later, she continued helping others at Head Start in Topeka and in private practice, dedicating over 50 years to the profession she loved so much.

Darlene's heart for service was unmatched. For 34 years she filled life with music and joy as a member of the Grace Episcopal Cathedral Handbell Choir. She was initiated into Chapter HG of P.E.O. in 1982 and deeply cherished her friends in that organization for over 40 years. Over the decades she held many offices, including serving as president from 1988 to 1990.

A lifetime member of Sunflower Partners Investment Club, Darlene enjoyed the camaraderie and intellectual stimulation of investment strategies. She supported her local neighborhoods by organizing annual block parties on Campbell Street, and by hosting events in their home as part of the West Hills Neighborhood. She loved reading and being a part of the Current Literature Book Club.

She supported her Topeka community through numerous volunteer roles, often in leadership positions. She was Chair of the Topeka Symphony League from 1984 to 1986. From 1996 to 2020 she volunteered at Stormont Vail Hospital as a Lifetime Auxiliary Member. In 2008 she served as president of Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas. She was active in the Topeka Symphony League, Performing Arts for Children, Meals on Wheels, Daughters of the King, The Junior League of Topeka, and the Kansas Judicial Center, among others.

Those who knew Darlene cannot help but recall her infectious laugh, twinkling eyes, compassionate heart for listening, and her beautiful cursive handwriting. She loved to welcome people and invite them warmly into her home. Perhaps because always so active, she was often the last to arrive at events. Her husband Phil often joked that she would be late to her own funeral!

Darlene's life was a beautiful symphony of love, service, and compassion. She touched so many people, and her spirit leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of her family, friends, and community. Her kindness will live on through the countless lives she enriched. Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived, a life full of purpose and brimming with love.

A service will take place on Saturday, April 20, at 10:30 am at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to P.E.O. Sunflower Grants, the Educational Loan Fund (E.L.F.), the Topeka Library Foundation or to the Topeka Symphony League. Memorial donations may be sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.