Called to eternal rest on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Beloved wife of 41 years of the late Daniel Goggins; loving mother of Michael (Joni) Bearden, Thomas Bearden, John (Tamara) Bearden, Mary (Jeff Noel) Goggins, Michael Goggins, Brian (Kaye) Goggins, and Catherine (Michael) Barry; adored daughter of the late Louis and Adele (Van Mierlo) Held; dear sister of the late Louis E Held; cherished grandmother of Melanie, Jennifer, Sara, Morgan, Reese, Beth, Anne, Lauren, Alexander, Berkeley, Mark, Ryan, Danielle, Shannon, Timothy, Conor, Caitlin, Bree, and Grace; great-grandmother of Tyler, Megan, Madison, Addison, Grayson, Caroline, Eric, Theodore, Rosemary, Caileigh, Nicholas, Elle, Clayton, Madeline, Cecilia, Brooks, Nora and Graham; dear aunt, cousin, and friend.
Darlene was born in North St Louis and graduated from nursing college at St Louis Community College-Forest Park. She was proud of her work as a nurse at the Federal Reserve Bank and multiple hospitals and medical practices in St Louis. Darlene was talented with arts and crafts that spanned the range from sketching, painting, sewing and crocheting to installing backsplash tile and brick patios. She also had a green thumb which led to her house and outdoor gardens overflowing with plants and flowers of many varieties. She enjoyed traveling throughout the country and taking photographs at the many Civil War sites and National Parks that she visited. She took great pleasure in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was often first to arrive at the hospital, always with a gift in hand, as her grandchildren were added to the family. She eagerly attended the myriad of birthday parties, graduations, recitals, plays, award ceremonies, and sporting events of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Darlene was a good cook and loved hosting Christmas celebrations so she could watch all of the children open the load of presents that she bought for them throughout the year. Finally, Darlene was an animal lover who enjoyed watching birds, visiting the St Louis Zoo with her grandkids, and taking care of her beloved companion Dooley who was always at her side. As she reached her twilight years, she took great comfort in being at home with Dan and Dooley and sharing some vanilla ice cream.
Services: Visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, 63129, on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Also at Kutis, a brief memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10:00am, followed immediately by a private burial ceremony at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.