Darlene Lois Fashingbauer

Darlene Lois Fashingbauer, age 55, of Kincheloe, Michigan, died unexpectedly on November 22, 2025, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born on February 14, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Dorothy Fashingbauer.

Darlene grew up in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and attended Evergreen High School through her junior year. She graduated with the Class of 1988 from Redford Union Schools in Redford, Michigan. After graduation, she began working for Detroit Metro Airport and left to start her career working for Walmart in 2000, beginning as a cashier and working her way up to her most recent position as a claims associate. All while raising and cherishing her two daughters with the help of her sister, Liane, and family.

Darlene was a proud Tupperware consultant for over eight years. She loved attending craft shows to sell the brand that she was so passionate about since childhood. She was an avid reader of romance novels, and the latest Nora Roberts books could always be found throughout her house. She enjoyed flower gardening and loved cheering on her favorite sports teams, especially the Chicago Bears, and every Detroit Sport Team, unless the Lions were playing the Bears, of course. Her love of the Hallmark Network will not ever go unnoticed as they lost their biggest supporter. You could always count on a Hallmark Movie playing on the TV, especially during Christmas time.

Above all the roles she held in life, Darlene was the heart and soul of every space she entered. Her laugh, loud, contagious, and unmistakable, could be heard from rooms away and instantly made people feel welcome. She had a rare gift for making others feel seen and heard, never letting anyone feel unimportant or invalid.

At Walmart, where she dedicated twenty-five years, she formed deep, lifelong bonds. She cherished everyone within the walls of that store, especially her sister-friends Maria Templeton, Karen Kelly, and Leann Jones, and her bonus work daughter, Ranae Coady. She helped anyone with anything they needed, no hesitation, no questions because that was simply who she was.

At home, Darlene was the center of gravity. She was the heart of her household, always offering a warm home cooked meal and a soft place to land. Not just for her family, but for all the "strays" her children and family brought home over the years. Her motto was "the first time you are here you are a guest, after that you are family." Everyone knew that Darlene's door was always open, and that inside they would find comfort, food, understanding, and a place to dust themselves off and stand back up again.

Darlene always had time for people, and she put the needs of others above her own with unwavering love and generosity. Her kindness was limitless, her presence grounding, and her love unforgettable.

Darlene is survived by her daughters, Tiffany (Justin) McBride of Greenville, Michigan, and Brittany Fashingbauer of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren, Oceanus McBride, Christian McBride, Aleczander Hill, and Deacon Hill; great-uncle, Bruce (Gina) Anderson; sisters, Liane Johnston, Kristin (Michael) Spivack, and Lori Yankoulides; sister-in-law, Sandra Johnston; brothers, Dwayne Frye, Daniel (JoAnne) Murphy, Nathan Snowberger, and Patrick (Tami) Murphy; nieces, Natalya Spivack, Samantha Spivack, Danielle Murphy, Veronica Frye, Tiffanie Mcglovkin, Felicia Tippett, Aubree Mullnix, Kristina (Larry) Hess, Alyse Yankoulides, Lauren Yankoulides, Anna (Kyle) Young, Kaitlyn Snow, and Casey Snowberger; nephews, Christopher (Alexandra) Frye, Dwayne Frye II, Bradley Frye, Issac Tippett, Timothy Yaros, Nathan Snowberger Jr., Brandon Snowberger, Nickolas Snowberger, Nathaniel Snowberger, Benjamin Seward, and Dylan Murphy; many great-nieces and nephews; and many bonus children.

Darlene is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Carl and Millie Anderson; paternal grandparents, John and Dorothy Fashingbauer; great-uncle, Stephen Anderson; mother, Virginia Johnston; sisters, Mary Snowberger, Stephanie (Mark) Mullnix; brothers, Thomas Johnston, Norman Johnston, and David Johnston; and nephew, Bradley Yankoulides.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 377 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Chicago, Illinois, with the date and time to be determined.

Darlene's final resting place will be at Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Flowers can be sent to the Church and all who loved Darlene are invited to come and pay their respects.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com

Obituary as submitted by family.