Obituary of Darlene L. Steckel

Darlene L. Steckel, 82, of Belvidere, NJ passed away Friday, April 10, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital-Warren Campus, Phillipsburg, NJ.

Darlene was born on December 11, 1937 to the late Emma Smith and her husband who passed when Darlene was 2. Darlene was previously married to retired NJ State Trooper Howard Steckel of Harmony, NJ. They enjoyed many years living on the Delaware River during the time of their marriage.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Kim Lance and her husband Marvin of Mount Bethel; grandsons, Ryan and Kyle and his wife Sarah. Darlene was known as Great Nannie to great grandsons Levi, 4 and Noah, 1. The most recent sparks of her life!

Throughout her life, Darlene has lived in Belvidere and the surrounding areas. Darlene enjoyed taking care of people and worked for AAMH in Phillipsburg, NJ and Radiant Star Rest Home, Harmony , NJ.

Darlene loved to vacation at Ship Bottom, NJ on Long Beach Island. One of her greatest pleasures was walking the beach searching for colored sea glass with her friend Dot. Whether she was known as Darlene, Mommy, Aunt Steckel, Aunt Kimmy’s Mommy, or Great Nannie, she was loved and adored in her lifetime by so many and we will miss the special touch of love and creativity she brought to us all.

Darlene was always a “Belviderian”. From her days in High School in the 50’s when she was Darlene Smith and throughout her life, she was known for her fantastic imagination and beautiful art and craft work. Darlene could create anything! From days of the Mountain Lake Casino to events at the Harmony Fire House by the Ladies Auxiliary, a Giant Rubber Ducky in a Phillipsburg Halloween Parade, or a Gingerbread House for the Beverly Howell fund’s entry into the Belvidere Halloween parade, even McDonalds character costumes for her daughter’s Belvidere High School production, costuming for local kids theatre, and so much more, Darlene’s work always shone. The woman was a genius at stuff! Darlene made costumes for everyone, and at one time had quite the costume collection she would share with others.

The last few years Darlene had resided at The Chelsea at Brookfield. Darlene’s family is so grateful for the years she got to spend at the Chelsea. Darlene was able to enjoy outings, entertainment and companionship, as well as continue making her art. Darlene’s painting titled “Nature at its Best” won a spot and was published as the May 2019 feature in the HCANJ calendar, “Works of Heart”.

Darlene enjoyed the love and support from The Chelsea staff and residents. The Chelsea provided her with a wonderful home, independence and opportunity to continue to create. She enjoyed tending to the flowers and participating in their numerous projects and events. The Chelsea holds outstanding events for families and Darlene always looked forward to her family walking in the door, where her art, arrangements and centerpieces were always on display. Darlene could always dream up and create a costume for all of the Chelsea holidays and events.

In lieu of flowers, please continue to support your local suppliers and your hospital and nursing care workers. In this time of COVID-19, their calls, compassion and even Face times meant the world to Darlene’s family.

Online condolences may be sent to www.MacFaddenFuneralHome.com