Darlene Louise Bertrand, of Oliver Springs, Tennessee journeyed "Home" to Heaven on January 7, 2025, at the age of 85. She passed away peacefully at Methodist Medical Center, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Born on February 9, 1939 in Joliet, Illinois to the late Steve and Josephine Botka. Darlene was the second oldest of seven children.  In addition to Darlene's parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Joseph V. Bertrand, and by her six siblings, William Botka, Shirley Fredricks, Joseph Botka, Robert Botka, Raymond Botka and Margaret Perez. Darlene was a mother, grandmother, and aunt who loved her family deeply, keeping them faithfully in her daily prayers and close in heart.  She is survived by three of her four cherished children:  Stephanie Bertrand (Eddie Buffington), Kimberly Caridi (Vincent) and Donald Bertrand, 12 beloved grandchildren:  Michael Sands, Jr., Chris Sands (Delilah), Jenipher Sands (Eric Williams), Nathan Sands (Pamela), Lindsay Adams (Sandra), Chelsea Salas, Joseph (Joey) Bertrand, Jr., Kyle Bertrand (Casey Daniels), Danyelle Bertrand (Dylan Harrell) Anne Caridi and Emily Caridi, and 10 precious great-grandchildren.

She was raised in Joliet, Illinois and in Fort White, Florida where she graduated High School at Fort White Public School in 1956.  After graduation, she relocated to Albany, Georgia where she met and married Donald Bertrand.  She was an Air Force military wife for 15 years, traveling to various US states, eventually settling her family in Alexandria, LA.  In 1983, she relocated to quaint Colfax, LA, where she worked in the Apparel Industry for Jordache Enterprises, Inc, until retirement.  To be closer to her children, she moved to Oliver Springs, Tennessee in February 2000.  She enjoyed her quiet life and home in the town of Oliver Springs, and the friends and acquaintances she made there.

Darlene was creative and enjoyed reading, gardening, baking and studying scripture. She was passionate about her faith and was captivated by the awe-inspiring natural beauty God bestowed upon this earth.  It was there in nature that she experienced God's presence the most.  She was a woman of faith and resilience.  Darlene's life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her Christian beliefs, as she devoted her time to prayer and studying scripture.  She found solace and strength in her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, TN for 25 years.

Family and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass and Interment on March 20, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 327 Vermont Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.  Visitation will start at 10:00 am, with the Funeral Mass starting at 11:00 am.  Darlene's Interment will follow directly after the Mass, at the Columbarium on the St. Mary's Church grounds.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Darlene's name can be made to Saint Mary's Parish - Saint Joseph Food Pantry or Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry.

Visitation, Mass and Columbarium Inurnment will be at St. Mary's Church.

10:00am   Visitation in the Church

11:00am   Funeral Mass

12:30pm   Columbarium Inurnment on the Church grounds.

YouTube Live Link:

Funeral Mass Darlene Bertrand (11:00 AM), St. Mary Oak Ridge, Tennessee