Eleanor Darby

Eleanor Hope Darby, 83, of Fishers, Indiana went to be with Jesus in the early morning of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at IU North Hospital.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on March 12, 1941, Eleanor was the daughter of Walter and Ida Tami Tempalsky. She grew up in Carteret, New Jersey, and loved spending time with her cousins who were so dear to her. Early in her life, Eleanor displayed tremendous compassion and strength by helping to support and care for her ill mother. Eleanor met and married U.S. Navy veteran Robert Edward Darby (1945-2018) of Redbank, New Jersey on April 28,1973. Eleanor flourished as a loving wife and caring mother to her family of three children, April, Susan and Robert. 

A career opportunity for her husband prompted a move to Muncie, Indiana in 1980 where Robert was the CFO of Indiana Steel & Wire. Eleanor managed the household, doted over her children and husband while taking on various jobs along the way until her children were grown. She had a very creative side. She loved to paint and fostered the love of creating art in her children. Each season she decorated the house with cheerful decor, especially focused on beautiful handmade centerpieces. Singing brought her much joy. Upon retirement, Robert and Eleanor moved to Fishers, Indiana to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. 

As a survivor of breast cancer, Eleanor once again displayed strength and compassion while caring for her husband after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s. As his health failed, she kept the family together as only a true matriarch could. Psalm 23 brought her comfort. We are all truly blessed to know her faith, love, strength, humor, and kind heart.

Holidays were paramount to Eleanor as she was happiest when surrounded by her family. She always made certain that each family gathering was special with an elegantly decorated table and delicious homemade food for the family to gather around. Hungarian cabbage rolls were her specialty. Eleanor found pleasure in others’ joy. She made certain that every holiday, birthday or anniversary was special for the people in her life. Always thoughtful and generous, she crocheted many beautiful items that will always remind us of her. Eleanor was a caring daughter, a loving wife, and a compassionate mother. 

Eleanor is survived by her daughter April (Brad) Fawcett, daughter Susan (Jarod) Kerfoot, and son Robert (Stephanie) Darby, and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter, her mother, Ida, her brother Robert and wife Edie, and her husband Robert.

There will be a visitation at 10am on Monday, September 9, 2024, followed by a memorial service at 11am at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eleanor’s name to: Life of Love Ministry Center at:

https://lol-mc.com/give