“Little Darlene the Talking Machine was born February 15, 1949 in Austin Texas. She passed in the presence of God, family and friends on April 14, 2019.
Darlene grew up in East Austin. As a child she helped in her family owned business, “Get It & Go” on East Sixth Street. She enjoyed telling stories of Old Austin where she and her siblings had countless adventures. In 1965, Darlene married her childhood sweetheart, Brent Freitag.
Known for her ability to host celebrations and plan memorable get-togethers, she always made each person feel welcome and special. Thanksgiving and Easter were her favorite holidays and her famous cabbage rolls, pies and Hungarian Noodles will be missed. She enjoyed her memberships in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Thankful Hubbard Chapter; Ladies Fine Arts League; Woman of Wisdom and Texas Extension Education Association, Bluff Springs Club.
Those who knew Darlene, remember a loving mother, a witty lady, an amazing cook, and a faithful friend. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and spending time with them brought her much joy and pride.
Side-by-side, Darlene laid next to her adoring husband; Brent Freitag as they began their next journey together. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elnora Simpson Bachman; father, Sadallah Menem; brothers, Jimmie Menem and Si Menem; sisters Kay Freitag and Bonnie Poli, and Her Uncle Menem. She is survived by her son, Michael Freitag; daughter, Sandra McCarstle and husband Eric; grandchildren; Drake Bartz and Derek Bartz; grandchildren of the Heart, Kade McCarstle and Kamden McCarstle; brother-in-law, Boyce Freitag and his wife Jody; sister-in-law, Bonnie Menem and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and three precious great-great nephews and a niece.
In lieu of flowers it was Darlene’s request that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Ben Hur Shrine, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin, TX 78757 or to the Colorado Masonic Lodge #96 Student Scholarship Fund 205 Summerside Ave. Lockhart, TX 78644.
When asked what message she would like to leave those she cared for; Darlene replied, “The most important thing is unconditional love.”