CENTRALIA — Mary Teresa (Gotta) Darin, 86, of Centralia, died on June 7, 2024 at Fireside House in Centralia having received the Sacraments of the Catholic Church from her son.
She was born on January 18, 1928 in Locana, Italy, the daughter of Domenico and Maria (Laboroi) Gotta. She immigrated to the United States in December, 1931 with her parents. They settled in the Melcher-Dallas area of Iowa. She graduated from Dallas High School in Iowa in 1946. Her family moved to Centralia in 1946where she attended Centralia Junior College and graduated in 1948. On May 7, 1955 she married Danny Darin at St. Mary Church in Centralia. He preceded her in death on December 4, 2020.
Mary is survived by her son, the Reverend Monsignor David M. Darin; sister, Josephine Cerny of Pullman, Washington; brother, John B. Gotta and wife Susan of Lobonc; sister-in-law, Antoinette DeBernardi and husband Robert; nieces, Tina (Steve) Pedrotty and Teresa (Rich) Koenig; nephews, Charles (Rhonda) DeBernardi, Perri (Pam) DeBernardi and Eric (Liesa) Cerny; and great nieces and great nephews, as well as special friend, Theresa Cozadd.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Catherine Darin and brother-in-law, Richard Cerny.
Mary received her degree in stenography and worked at Hollywood Brands, Gulf Refining, Ray Packing and then took a temporary position at Karchmer Pipe and Supply, where she was employed for over 44 years, retiring in 2001. Mary also was a waitress at Pinky’s Restaurant beginning in 1957 and later she and Danny owned the restaurant from 1973 until 1990.
Mary was a member of St. Mary Parish, a member of the Altar Sodality and a 50 year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She enjoyed stamp collecting, mainly from the United States, but also from Italy and Vatican City. She began this hobby in 1938. She and Danny enjoyed traveling, especially visiting her relatives in Northern Italy and Southern France. They enjoyed having friends over for dinner at their home. She also enjoyed planting flowers and vegetables and then freezing or canning her produce. In her younger years, she also enjoyed sewing.
The funeral liturgy will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:30 am with the Mass being celebrated by Father James Deiters followed by a committal service at Calvary Cemetery, Centralia. The reception of the body and vigil prayer service will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 5:00 pm followed by visitation from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will also take place on Wednesday morning from 9:00 am until 10:15 am.
Memorials may be made in the form of Masses or to Calvary Cemetery and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Darin Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.