Darlene Marie Peters

Darlene Marie Peters, age 70, of Onaway, died at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey on Saturday December 2, 2023. She arrived in this world on August 6, 1953, one of ten children born to Hollis Sr. and Dorothy (Painter) Sherman. A lifelong resident of Northern Michigan, Darlene lived most of her life in the Onaway area and lived in Alpena for a time as well.
Strong-willed, stubborn, and a fighter, Dar's incredible strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life's challenges, specifically her many health and medical issues. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, Darlene's attitude was positive and upbeat. She was independent, determined, and always found a way to do what she needed to do. She amazed her doctors as she overcame setbacks and defied odds. There was no self-pity with Darlene, and she never let cerebral palsy define who she was.
Darlene was a homemaker and mother who was a good cook and made a loving home for her family. She was an incredible mom who loved her children, adored her grandchildren, and was devoted to her companion. As a mother she cherished her relationship with her children and was always there to support them. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, bringing her much joy and happiness. Her longtime companion, Hal, was her best friend and soulmate. They enjoyed each other's company and had many hobbies in common. They loved flower gardening, taking rides through the woods to look for deer and elk, and playing slots at the casino. Both had numerous health problems yet were strong for each other. Quite a pair, they kept one another going and took good care of each other.
Darlene loved to be cozy in her warm fleece pajama pants and fuzzy socks. She loved white T-shirts (she had a dresser full of them). Her drink of choice was Mountain Dew, which she drank at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She loved apple butter and her favorite cookies were No-Bakes made by her daughter, Sierra. Dar collected angels which could be found throughout her home mingled with Hal's dreamcatchers and eagles. She looked forward to watching her favorite shows on television, enjoyed going to bingo, and was musically talented. As a younger woman she played the piano beautifully but when she was older, she nailed the lyrics, flows, and cadence of rap music. Darlene's version of Eminem was delightful! She loved to dance, especially with her grandchildren and had a wonderful sense of humor. Darlene was truly one of a kind.
Quiet, yet a little sassy, nurturing, caring, kind, fun-loving, and goofy, Darlene had a heart of gold. Her love for her family was both strong and gentle, always there, unmoving. She loved visits from her family and when it was time for them to leave Darlene would always say, "Bye, Love You, See You Later." She would stand at the window waving and watching as they pulled out of her driveway. This was a tradition she borrowed from her daughter who, as a little girl, would say this little goodbye phrase every day when she left for school and wave at her mom as she boarded the school bus. Well-loved and well-respected, Dar will be missed by her children and grandchildren as they say, "Bye, Love You, See You Later, Wave".
Dar leaves her children: Sierra (Jesse) Riley of Onaway, Phillip Peters (Chelsea) of Alpena, and Amanda Paul of Petoskey; grandchildren, Blake, Reign, Cameron, Cailyn, Payton, Kallie, Addy, and Roman; as well as her siblings, Tammy Sherman of Cheboygan, Bonnie (Dennis) Klont of Grand Rapids, Daryl (Cheryl) Sherman of Adrian, and Grant Sherman (Vicki Galer) of Millersburg; many nieces and nephews; and Hal's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Just five days before her passing, Darlene was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Hal Roberts. Also preceding her in death were her grandson, Rylan Riley and his dog, Charlie, adopted by Dar after his death; brothers, Bill, Gary, Sterling, and Hollis Jr.; and sister, Delaine Leach.
At this time, Darlene will be honored privately. A celebration of life will be held for Darlene and Hal in their flower garden in the late spring or early summer when flower blooms are bright and fragrant. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Darlene to her family to help with final expenses.