Darceen A. Nichols ("Darcy")
May 5, 1948 - March 22, 2026
Darceen "Darcy" A. Nichols, age 77, of Lena, formerly of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur B. and Mary K. (Mahaffy) Nichols.
A cherished and devoted mother and grandmother, Darcy found great joy in lifting up those around her and celebrating their successes. She was a long-time, beloved manager of Centennial Apartments in Mt. Prospect, where her care and compassion touched the lives of hundreds of residents and families. In recognition of her dedication, she received the 2012 Mt. Prospect Shining Star Award.
Following her retirement, Darcy embraced the peace of country living. She was a prolific crocheter, creating afghans and stuffed animals that she lovingly shared with family, children, neighbors, and veterans' and senior organizations.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Eric) Knox of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; her grandchildren, Alexander (Sarah) Knox and Brian (Emily) Knox; and her longtime dearest friend and companion, Lou Martinez of Lena, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be held at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly in Palatine, IL from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Interment at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor in Palatine, Illinois, or to a veterans' organization of the donor's choice.
Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
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Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
Plant a tree: How does it work
When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree.
An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally.
After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year.
Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer.
Tree Planting Timeline
Orders placed in:
January - May
Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year.
June - December
Planting will take place in Spring of the following year.
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