NEW HAMPTON — Darlene Martin Weaver Shirk, 53, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at her home in New Hampton.
A funeral service was held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, at the New Haven Mennonite Community Center in New Haven. Burial followed at Living Hope Mennonite Church Cemetery in rural Charles City. Visitation was held Thursday evening at Living Hope Mennonite Church.
Darlene was born June 29, 1973, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Miriam Weaver. Faith, family and service became the foundations upon which she built her life.
She married Marvin Nolt Shirk on October 5, 1993. Together, Darlene and Marvin created a home filled with children, conversation, laughter, home-cooked meals and an open invitation for anyone who needed a place to belong.
As a stay-at-home mother, Darlene devoted herself to raising and homeschooling her children. Her care extended well beyond her immediate family. Over the years, she and Marvin fostered and adopted several children while also welcoming others into their household for weeks or months at a time.
Alyvia, Addisyn and Austin were among the children who became part of Darlene’s family through the love, attention and security she offered them. She did not limit her understanding of family to names or bloodlines. If someone needed care, she found room for them.
That generosity also shaped the way Darlene welcomed friends, neighbors, overnight visitors and people who otherwise might have spent a holiday alone. Guests could expect good food, warm conversation and a place at her table. Her meals became treasured memories for many, with her cheesecake earning particular praise.
Darlene found happiness in gardening, sewing, reading and visiting new coffee shops. She also volunteered each week at a local crisis pregnancy center, extending the same compassion to others that defined life inside her home.
Her Christian faith guided her choices and the lessons she shared with her children. Through her example, she showed that love was best expressed through action—preparing a meal, opening a door, offering prayers, sharing coffee and remaining beside someone during a difficult time.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Marvin Nolt Shirk; children, Brendon Weaver Shirk and his wife, Tabea Shirk; Lynelle Shirk Miller and her husband, William Bradford Miller; Kaitlyn Weaver Shirk; Darren Weaver Shirk and his wife, Sarah Shirk; Ryan Weaver Shirk and his wife, Abigail Shirk; Serena Faith Shirk; Tiana Hope Shirk; Alex Joseph Shirk; and Brylie Evonne Shirk.
She was a beloved grandmother to Everett James, Frederick John, Zara Kate, Louix Wilhelm, Kaizer Grey and Ian Rhett.
Darlene is also survived by her siblings, Curvin Weaver, Julianne Horst, Laverne Weaver, Edwin Weaver, Junior Weaver, Marvin Weaver, Lamar Weaver, Rosene Zimmerman, Lois Martin, Carolyn Martin and James Weaver; dozens of nieces and nephews; and many friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.
Her family takes comfort in the faith she carried throughout her life and in knowing that the generosity she demonstrated will continue through the many people she inspired.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home is caring for Darlene’s family. To read the complete obituary or leave a message of condolence, please click here.
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