Darla Kay Brzezinski
Darla Kay Brzezinski, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2024, at her beloved Lake Leelanau where she spent so many happy days. She was 66. Darla was born in Germfask, Michigan and grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and graduated from Newberry High School. After high school she began a dedicated career with the State of Michigan, first with the Liquor Control Commission and later with the Office of Retirement Benefits, before retiring in 2010.
Outgoing and friendly, Darla was the kind of person who could make anyone feel at ease. She was a “comfort person” — always thinking of others and ready to lend a hand. But those who knew Darla well also knew she had strong convictions and a straightforward way of expressing them. With Darla, there was no gray area — you always knew where she stood, and she wasn’t shy about speaking her mind.
In her younger years, Darla was quite the pool shark, earning both trophies and respect with her sharp eye and steady hand. It was in the late seventies, standing near a jukebox, that she met Dale, the love of her life. They were married in 1982 and went on to raise two sons, Jason and Michael, together. The family shared many camping trips to the family camp overlooking Lake Leelanau, where Darla’s love for the water blossomed. She adored life at the lake, spending long afternoons on the pontoon, flip-flops on her feet, watching the swans glide over the water.
After retirement, Darla and Dale traveled together, checking items off their bucket list. One of her most cherished memories was swimming with dolphins, an experience she described as pure joy, captivated by their grace and playful spirits. In more recent years, after grandchildren came along, Darla’s world revolved around them. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, especially the little ones, watching them grow and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Darla also had a passion for Bingo, and in recent years, she and her dear friend Desi would travel to new destinations just to enjoy a good game. Her friendly competitive spirit and laughter made her a joy to be around.
Darla will always be remembered for her kindness, her fierce love as a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth and generosity. She leaves behind her loving husband Dale, her son Jason (and wife Natasha) and daughter-in-law Jessica, her grandchildren, Makala Coolidge, Jason Riley Brzezinski, Calie Brzezinski, Danny Paul Brzezinski, Zackery McKinley and Zoe McKinley; great-grandchildren, Hadley Coolidge and Adalynn Cordray; brother John Zitnik, sisters Lisa Johnson and Tera Fields and many cherished friends. Darla was preceded in death by her youngest son Michael in 2012.
Friends were encouraged to support Darla’s family at visitation Tuesday October 8, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Guests were encouraged to stay for the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. which was followed by an evening Remembrance and Affirmation service where some of the family’s best stories of Darla were shared. Friends and family were also invited to join the Brzezinski family the next day for the Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday October 9, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop Celebrating. For those unfamiliar with the Catholic Mass or Rosary, guides will be provided to help you follow along and understand the significance of each part.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic School.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Darla’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
While Darla may no longer be with us, we’re sure she’s found the ultimate Bingo Hall up above — and knowing her, she’s already won the jackpot…BINGO!