Obituary of Wilma B. Darada

sign in fall
Date: July 26, 2019

Wilma B. Darada, 98 of Great Barrington died Tuesday July 23, 2019 at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington with her loving son and daughter in law by her side. Wilma was born in Lee on April 9, 1921 daughter of Homer and Clarice (Garfield) Broderick. She was a graduate of the former Searles High School class of 1938. Wilma worked at Great Barrington Manufacturing in the customer service mail order dept. retiring after 20 years. Wilma also worked for WSBS for 6 years and at the Jennifer House. Wilma was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, a member of the Woman’s Guild, the Thursday Morning Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and her local AARP. She was a former D.A.R. and was active at the Claire Teague Senior Center. Wilma started knitting in high school and continued to sew and make clothes for family and friends. She knitted sweaters with children’s names for her mail order business, Wilma’s Sweaters and Things till 2010. She also made wedding cakes. Wilma’s husband John R. Darada whom she married at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington on June 28, 1947 predeceased her on November 9, 2000. Wilma is survived by her son Homer J. Darada and his wife Joan of Florence MA, three grandchildren, John H., Zachariah and Megan, four great grandchildren, Christopher Joseph, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Destiny Rose and one great great granddaughter, Aurora Lynn. In addition to her husband John R. Darada, Wilma was predeceased by brother Donald H. Broderick and two sisters, Sandra Nai and Barbara Walker.

Funeral Services for Wilma B. Darada will be held on Monday July 29 at 12:00 PM at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South Street Great Barrington MA 01230 with Reverend Tara Tetzlass officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday July 29 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Wilma’s memory may be made to the First Congregational Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.

5 Responses to Obituary of Wilma B. Darada

  1. Nima Rosepiper
    July 27, 2019
    at 9:44 am

    I am saddened to learn of Wilma’s passing. I cared for her when I worked at Fairview Commons. She was a delight — gentle and considerate. She always had a kind word. I am sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  2. Molly Finkle Grove
    August 5, 2019
    at 2:44 pm

    I worked with Wilma at Jennifer House. Wilma made my wedding cake back in 1997! She hosted a baby shower at her house for me when I lived in Germany in 1982! She was a true gem. Wonderful memories when I think of her and John.

    Reply
  3. nancy Briggs
    August 5, 2019
    at 3:34 pm

    Wilma was a big part of my younger years,she was very kind lady and did what ever she could do to let you know that she thaught you were special.Her kindness will not be forgotten to me.

    Reply
  4. Kathryn Stockland
    September 30, 2019
    at 4:22 pm

    I didn’t know Wilma but when our daughter was born in 2017 we got one of her beautiful handmade sweaters as a gift. We still get so many compliments when she wears it. We recently had our second daughter and I just looked to see if she was still perfecting her craft. l was saddened to hear of your loss. I hope you and your family can find some solace knowing a perfect stranger will forever treasure this part of her legacy in a life well lived. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Reply
  5. Patricia Volk
    December 14, 2023
    at 6:51 pm

    Wilma made me the most beautiful knitted fruit hats back in the 80’s.
    I still have two of them and whenever I wear them, I am complimented. Strangers stop me in the street. Wilma was so good at what she did. I take her hat off to her.

    Reply

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