Darlene “Dar’ Cogswell
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Cogswell (Dar), following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Dar, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed on April 23, 2025, in Lexington South Carolina, at the age of 82. She was born in Illinois, to Elgin (Bud) and Loretta. In 1986 she married her soulmate, Grover (Cook) and moved to Indiana. While living in Indiana, Darlene worked as a secretary to the principal of Thornridge High School. Upon retirement, she and her husband moved to South Carolina and fulfilled their dream of living on the lake. Darlene and Grover enjoyed many years of early morning coffee and late-night sunsets on their porch that overlooked Lake Murray. When she wasn’t out on the pontoon boat or on her porch, she was cooking, baking or reading a good book. Her homemade spaghetti sauce, chicken noodle soup, Danish potato salad and chocolate chip cookies were some of the family favorites. Cooking and baking for others was often her way of expressing her love and affection for friends, family, or simply anyone who raved about a particular recipe she made. Darlene leaves her family with warm memories of her in the kitchen every holiday season as she filled the freezer with dozens of different cookies that would be found on each holiday spread.Darlene’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and kindness. She was devoted to her husband, Grover, and her children, Randi, Tracy (Trent), and Rick (Jana). She adored her grandchildren: Kalyn (Josh), Erin (Michael), Nick (Emily), Morgan, McKenna, Jennifer (Wesley), and Courtney (Kyle) and great-grandchildren: Grant, Sawyer Kate, Greyson and Brooks, always finding joy in their presence. Her love extended to Grover’s son, Jeff, and she cherished her brother, Rusty (Janice), and niece, Lindsay. Darlene was more than a family member; she was a true friend to all who knew her. She listened with empathy, offered wise advice, celebrated achievements, cheered on successes, and provided comforting hugs and support. Throughout her life, Darlene was a constant source of love, joy, patience and kindness. She greeted everyone with the biggest, most beautiful smile- a smile that remained even as her disease progressed and she had difficulty communicating. Despite those difficulties, she never stopped expressing her love to those around her. Her husband Grover visited her frequently in Memory Care; each time, her face would light up, and she proudly made sure everyone knew he was her husband! Darlene’s love for family and friends was unwavering, and her presence will be deeply missed. Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Elgin and Loretta; son-in-law, Scott; cousin, Nancy; and best friend, Karen.The family of Darlene Cogswell expresses deep gratitude to the hospice staff from Agape Care in Lexington, SC. Their compassion, respect, care, and family support will forever be appreciated. A private Celebration of Life service for Darlene will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Darlene’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered with fondness and admiration, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
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