Darlene Jo Piacesi

Of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney, Maryland. She lived a life shaped by faith, family, service, and quiet strength. Her deep faith in Jesus guided her every day, and her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

Born on May 23, 1936, in Washington, D.C., to Pearl C. (Carroll) and Bernard F. Schmid, Darlene felt a calling to serve others from a young age. That calling led her to enter the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, where she devoted herself to God and to teaching. After several years in the convent, she felt drawn to continue serving the Lord outside the order. She then taught at Holy Redeemer grade school in Washington, D.C., bringing compassion and faith into every classroom and relationship.

Darlene met the love of her life, Robert Piacesi at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Adelphi, MD. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, raising their four children in Silver Spring.

She was a devoted wife to Robert; a loving mother to Marissa (Mark) Malatt, Rob (Christie) Piacesi, Carroll Piacesi, and Kelly Piacesi; and a cherished grandmother to Kristin (Michael) Stahlman, Thomas (Jessica) Malatt, Heather Malatt, Patricia (Anthony) Parenti, and Maria Piacesi. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She is survived by her siblings Carol McEvoy, Kathy Rada, and Robert Schmid. As the eldest of 25 cousins, Darlene was a respected and loving presence throughout her extended family.

Darlene also expressed her creativity as a floral designer with a local florist, bringing beauty to countless celebrations and special moments. Whether she was teaching, arranging flowers, or offering quiet comfort, she had a gentle way of making people feel cared for. For many years, she volunteered faithfully at Marion Assisted Living, honoring the place where her father spent the final years of his life. She was instrumental in helping those with disabilities being accepted and mainstreamed into public schools in Montgomery County. Darlene also shared her faith and love of God by helping start chapters of Faith and Light for those with disabilities.

Relatives and friends may call at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd., Silver Spring, Maryland, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 30 Jeffreys Neck Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, or online at www.sndden.org/join-us/donate.

To send flowers to the family of Darlene Piacesi please visit the funeral home floral store.