Darlene M. Ursel

Darlene M. Ursel, age 85, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. She was born on August 13, 1940 in Monroe, Michigan; daughter of Arthur and Wilma (Knab) Mieden. Darlene was united in marriage to Edward Ursel on August 19, 1966; they spent 19 years lovingly devoted to one another until his death on July 3, 1986.

Darlene graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to attend Michigan State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, and later completed a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan. Darlene began her career as an elementary school teacher in Allen Park before transitioning to the role of school librarian. When she had children, she stepped away from her career to devote herself to raising her family. In the 1980s, Darlene returned to the workforce as a reference librarian at the Plymouth District Library, where she worked until her retirement in 2005.

Darlene was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Northville. She generously gave her time to community service and shared her talent for baking, contributing to funeral luncheons and bake sales.

For more than 50 years, Darlene was a proud lifetime member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), dedicated to advancing equality for women and girls. As a long-standing member of the Northville/Novi branch, she played an instrumental role in organizing fundraisers at Tipping Point Theatre and generously volunteered her time during the annual home tours and other events. She was also a dedicated supporter of Northville Civic Concern.

Darlene was an avid reader and passed her love of books on to her children and grandchildren. Her home was always filled with stacks of books, and she had an extensive collection of cookbooks. Affectionately known as “The Goodie Cook,” Darlene was renowned for her love of baking. She delighted family and friends with her delicious cookies and had a special talent for creating themed birthday cakes, always matching the cake to whatever her children or grandchildren loved at the time.

Darlene loved to travel and shared many adventures abroad with her close friends, fondly known as “The Group.” Together, they enjoyed numerous Viking Cruises to destinations including Europe, China, and Greece. Her favorite getaway, however, was Cancun, Mexico, where she spent several weeks each winter soaking up the sunshine with family and friends. Captivated by the local culture, Darlene often took cooking classes while there and later hosted festive Cinco de Mayo parties, sharing the authentic Mexican dishes she had learned to prepare.

Darlene’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she especially adored her grandchildren. She loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with them and was a constant, supportive presence in their lives. Darlene frequently volunteered at the schools her children and grandchildren attended. During her children’s early years, she served as PTA president at Amerman, and as a grandmother, she continued her involvement by volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools. She shared a close and loving bond with her grandchildren and was often amused by her grandsons’ shenanigans. They treasured their time at Grandma’s house, where they baked and decorated cookies, read together, and enjoyed special outings to places like the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. When her granddaughter visited from Colorado, Darlene delighted in sharing the culture of Detroit, always including visits to Eastern Market and the Detroit Institute of Arts followed by dinner at Fishbones. Family and friends were truly the heart of who Darlene was, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Darlene is survived by her loving children, Thomas Ursel and Beth (Joseph) Hutton; her grandsons, Edward Hutton and William Hutton; her brothers, Doug (RoseMarie Fassbender) Mieden and Roger Mieden; and her nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her granddaughter Anna Haliburton-Ursel, and her sister-in-law Darlene Mieden.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 777 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville. Rev. Sarah Wheatley will officiate the service. Mrs. Ursel will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to AAUWNN P.O. Box 511, Northville, MI 48167 (please make checks payable to Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan and include AAUWNN in the memo line of the check) or Northville Civic Concern, 43275 W. 7 Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167.