Darlene Josephsen

Tomorrow is never promised. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Darlene C. (Conti) Josephsen (nee, Garofolo), age 62, of Philadelphia, PA., when she went peacefully to her Lord’s eternal home on May 31, 2023, to be with those who passed before her.  Darlene was born on October 26th, 1960, the daughter of the late Theodore Garofolo and Adelaide (Svendsen) Garofolo.

She is survived by her loving sons, James Jr. and Steven Conti, her siblings and in-laws, Theodore and Donna Garofolo, Debra and James Kohlenberg, Rick and Donna Garofolo, and Dean Garofolo; as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

In addition to her parents Theodore and Adelaide Garofolo, Darlene is pre-deceased her beloved son, Mikel Conti, a loss that she would find hard to get over; her companion Eddie Kolb, with whom she shared a loving, caring relationship for many years, and her nephew, Eric Garofolo, a son to her brother Theodore. Her canine companion, Trigger, passed away six days after Darlene.

Darlene was a beautiful soul who loved more than anything else, being a mother.  Her sons were the apple of her eye and she would do anything for them. She opened her home to their once young friends and as adults, they remained close with her and affectionately called her “Mom”. She was a care giver to many and the best friend a person could have. She was humble and selfless and truly one of a kind. She leaves behind a plethora of people that will miss her dearly. 

Much like her mother, Darlene loved to cook and celebrate her favorite holidays. She was famous for her meatballs and potato salad and never came to a party empty handed.  She was also an amazing seamstress and made many stylish jackets, skirts, and shirts while she was an at home mom.  She loved taking care of her home and had a flare for fashion and décor. One of her favorite past times was watching classic movies.  She could tell you the name of many films, the year it was made, and the actor who starred in it.  One of her favorites was a 1939 film, On Borrowed time.

Darlene’s faith in Jesus was strong and she believed He was the Son of God.  Therefore we know that He put His loving arms around her and guided her to everlasting life.

John 11:25-26. "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.' ”

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Darlene with her immediate family.