Darlene Evelyn Strelic

Darlene Evelyn Strelic of Helena, MT passed away at St. Peter’s Health in the afternoon on 10/29/2023, surrounded by family. She was 81 years old.

Darlene was born in Sunset Lake, Saskatchewan in a blizzard on 1/10/1942, where the doctor could not make it so a lady from a neighboring farm came over and delivered her. She was born to Emil Strelic and Marie (Kozar) Strelic, both were products of immigrants to Canada.

Darlene grew up very close with her Grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Watson, Winnipeg, and Surrey B.C. until the family moved to the US in 1957, where they lived in El Cajon, California. 

Darlene thrived and was a very good student, was a honor student, and upon graduation she was ranked 21st in a class of 499. She attended a trades school for accounting, however, she did not finish as she got married. Unfortunately that marriage did not work out but did give her a son, Wayne.

Darlene would admit the years after she was divorced she was a bit wild and her favorite things to do was to go out and dance after working hard all week. This is when she met Leslie Tobel from Montana and not long after they were married and on their way back to Montana as a newly formed family. Not long after they had another son, Faron and 2 years later a girl, Apryl, followed. Leslie passed away in 1994 and Darlene never did get remarried.

Darlene worked various jobs throughout her life to support her family and herself. It is the one thing that was a certain is in whatever position she held she gave 110%. Her favorite and last job was being an in home healthcare worker. She loved taking care of others and even after she retired she still tried to do little things for the people that lived around her.

Darlene lived independently until she passed. She had several friends she loved that she enjoyed having little adventures with. She will be remembered as a quick witted, funny, beautiful spirit that enjoyed good wine and old movies. She was truly beautiful inside and out.

Darlene is survived by her brother Don (Layne) Strelic of CA, her Aunt Minnie Basaraba of Canada, herbchildren: Wayne Tobel, Faron Tobel, both of Great Falls, MT, her daughter, Apryl (Terry) Hiatt of Helena, MT. Her Grandchildren and their children, Krystan Tobel (Michael, Makenzee, Madisyn), Stephanie Tobel (Addilyn and Teegan), Lily Tobel (Oliver), Jordan Harding, Brittany Hiatt (Eestyn, Bowyn, Mason, and Raidyn), Keah Hiatt, and Jozzlin Janson. Also her “other children” foundlings that she loved like her children Paula Burgess, Cheryl Little Dog. She also had several nieces and nephews and their families, many many friends and extended family that she loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her grandson, Jacob Hiatt, and her partner in life, Leslie Tobel.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ER staff, Aaron the RN and Karina the RN in ICU for their amazing care for our mom and our family. And Ruby the ex-ray tech that brought her daughter some comfort in a very emotional and tiring time.

As Darlene requested she was cremated after death. We will be having a celebration of life in the spring of 2024 due to weather, and details will be sent out after January of 2024. All are welcome to attend, if you would like an invitation or if you would like to send stories or condolences to the family, you can send them to: Apryl Hiatt, 3365 CB Loop, Helena, MT. 59602.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

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