February 28 1929 June 28 2019
Darlene J.H. Cecchetti, 90, of New Kensington, PA, formerly of Waterville, IA, died Friday, June 28, 2019, at Harmar Village Care Center in Cheswick, PA. A visitation will be held Sunday, June 30, 2019 from 1:00-3:00 at Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home in Blawnox, PA. She will be interred at a later date in her beloved home Church in Iowa. Darlene Joy Hermae Iverson was born February 28, 1929 in rural Waterville, Iowa, the youngest daughter of Herman N. and Josephine C. (Nelson) Iverson’s seven children. She was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA, and in 1946, she graduated from Waterville High School. After graduation, Darlene worked at Summit Hospital in Oconomowac, WI as a nurse’s attendant for four years. Darlene then joined the U.S. Navy as a physician’s assistant and worked at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from Feb 1951-Oct 1952. While in the Navy, she met and married TSgt Mario E. Cecchetti, U.S. Marine Corps, in Arlington, VA. Darlene left the service to raise four children. In 1976, Darlene resumed her nursing career and graduated from Citizens General Nursing School in New Kensington, PA. Subsequently, Darlene worked at Citizen’s General Hospital for eighteen years. Darlene liked doing puzzles, oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, and crafts. She was also a huge animal lover. Rural farming roots were always evident in the abundance of outdoor flower and vegetable gardens at her home. Darlene was also an avid sports fan from her youth when she played basketball in high school and during her Navy career as well as recreational softball. Her love of sports continued into her adulthood as she followed her high school’s teams and Pittsburgh football, baseball and hockey. She was actively engaged with Women’s Club activities including bowling and golf leagues. She participated as Girl Scout leader for her daughters. She stayed active with Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church activities and donated to the church regularly, including upgrades for the organ and building expansion. Darlene is survived by her children Merle Joy (Ken) Truver, Jon (Regan), and Dag (Dawn) Cecchetti; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Josephine; daughter Diane Lynn; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Herman and Margaret (Kehr) Iverson, Irvin and Helen (Budahl) Iverson, Ordell and Helen (Wasson) Iverson, Arden and Gladys (Ludeking) Iverson, and Earl and Vivian (Hartong) Iverson; sister Muriel (Iverson) Bakkum, and brother-in-law Barthel Bakkum. A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2019 from 1-3pm at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory Ltd., Blawnox, 930 Center Ave. Blawnox, PA 15238 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Darlene J.H. Cecchetti please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Darlene JH Cecchetti February 28 1929 June 28 2019.
Smith Funeral Home & Crematory
Death notice for the town of: Blawnox, state: Pennsylvania