Darlene Mackey, 68, passed away surrounded by her loving son, husband, and family on April 27th, 2025. The daughter of Antoinette and Thomas Cusmano, she was born on September 25th, 1956 and was the youngest of seven, including her sisters Alberta, Theresa, Jeanne Ann, Kathleen, and Maureen and her brother Alan.

As the baby sister of the group, Darlene grew up surrounded by strong and passionate women that she always looked up to. She had countless stories and memories of her sisters as well as her nieces and nephews, Cyndi, Albert, Robbie, Karen, and Trevor.

In her 30s, she found herself as a single mom to her son Brandon and thanks to the support of her loving family she was able to raise him while working and put his needs before her own, making sure even after the hardest day at the office there was homemade dinner on the table and a meal to be shared with him.

By her late 50s, she married the love of her life Neil Mackey and embarked on her next chapter. While her son moved to New York to pursue his degree, she was no longer a single mom and was able to enjoy many trips with him and their friends. They had especially good times on their traditional St. Patrick’s Day trip to Ocean City, Maryland and became avid fans of going camping together.

In the end, Darlene built a beautiful life for herself, she got through any challenge thrown her way, raised a son that adored her, and found the love that she always wanted and deserved. She will live on eternally through her surviving family and their memories of her, including her son and husband.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 10 AM at the Church of the Precious Blood, Monmouth Beach.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, please consider making a donation in Darlene’s Memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org)

For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Darlene, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com