Darleen G. McGeady

Grief never ends, but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. 
Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.

Darleen G. McGeady (nee Simecek) passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026, in Westlake, Ohio. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to her parents, the beloved Stephen J. and Evelyn B. (nee Cervenka) Simecek.

She was the beloved wife of the late Francis M. McGeady, II; loving stepmother of Damon (deceased), Kelly, Francis M., III, Holly (deceased), and Shirley Ann; step-grandmother of 13 and step-great-grandmother to eight. Dar was a special friend to Barbara, Christine, Gary, Joan and Erica, Gayle and the late Howard, Jim, Joe, Margo and Murray, Maria, Marilyn, Ron and Tom.

Darleen graduated from West Tech High School and then earned her associate's degree in graphic design at Cuyahoga Community College, while also working for Lester T. Tolt, CPA. After graduating from college, Darleen worked for Realty One as a designer of their new home brochures.

She was a long-time West Park area resident and worked with the West Park Historical Society, where she assisted in the design of so many beautiful and informative calendars and publications to help promote the preservation, study, interpretation, and appreciation of the history of the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland.

Darleen lived life with a quiet independence and a sharp, dry wit that could cut through nonsense faster than a cat in a cardboard box. She was never one for crowds, preferring the company of her feline family who, let's be honest, were really in charge of the home. Her humor, though understated, was unforgettable. She could deliver a one-liner so perfectly timed that you would still be chuckling about it hours later. A true homebody, she found peace and joy in cozy evenings, good books, and the occasional indulgence of spoiling her cats with special treats that they absolutely did not need, like a heated cat house for her outdoor darling Grigio, and special treats for her indoor cats, Feathers and Felicity.

Darleen is survived by many close friends, and she has asked that, in her memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite animal shelter, because she much preferred fussing over cats than bouquets.

Darleen requested no formal service. "Don't make a fuss," she said. Instead, raise a glass of brandy, gimlet, or whatever warms your heart, and remember her as the independent, sharp, and loving great friend that she was.

The family wants to thank St. Therese of Westlake for the loving care, friendship, and support during Darleen's stay there, with special thanks to the Director, Stephanie; the nursing staff, Lily, Jean, Doretta, and Karen; nursing assistants, "T," Bree, Bev, Jonathan, Jasmine, and Marlana; the activities staff, Alyssa and Lisa, for their care and the wonderful activities they provide the residents with and for their determination to get Darleen to play bingo; and to Rich, who was so patient and kind when asked to fix Dar's TV numerous times and who fixed any problem or concern we had expertly. 

Finally, to the staff of Echo Hospice, Ellen and Echo, who coordinated Darleen's care with hospice; nurses, CeCe and Liz, and the nursing assistants, Allie and Lamara. Thank you for your special care and support. We are so grateful and fortunate to have chosen St. Therese of Westlake and for the care extraordinaire that Darleen received during her residence there. If we have missed anyone, please accept our apologies; all of you were so kind and caring.

We entrusted the funeral arrangements to Slone & Co. Funeral Directors.

I give you this one thought to keep--I am with you still--I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone--I am with you still--in each new dawn.