Mollie E. "Darling" Wade-Lynski

Mollie Elizabeth Wade-Lynski, lovingly known to her family as “Darling,” passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at Meadowbrook Manor in Naperville, Illinois. She was 88 years old.

The name Darling began as a nickname given to her by her grandson Nick when he was a toddler. She embraced it wholeheartedly and carried it with pride for nearly forty years. Though it was a private, family name, it became the truest reflection of who she was: warm, loving, and devoted to those she held dear.

Born on August 2, 1937, in rural Tennessee, Darling grew up surrounded by southern faith, family, and community—values that guided her throughout her life. As a young woman, she moved to Chicago, where she met and married her first husband, Wayne. Together they welcomed their daughter, Lisa, and built a home filled with love and laughter on the city’s south side.

Darling pursued her passion for beauty and creativity by attending beauty school and opening her own hair salon. Through hard work, skill, and natural grace, she built a successful business that supported her family and became a cornerstone of her independence. Her salon was a welcoming space where conversation and kindness were always in abundance, and every client left feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.

After her first marriage ended, Darling met Robert “Bob” Lynski, a proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. The two shared many happy years together filled with companionship, laughter, and devotion. They made their home in Orland Park, Illinois, where they lived until Bob’s passing in 2007.

In her later years, Darling moved to Aurora, Illinois, to live with her grandson Nick and his family. Surrounded by children, conversation, and affection, she remained the heart of her family—a steady, loving presence whose faith and warmth touched every generation.

A devout Southern Baptist, Darling’s faith was the foundation of her life. She found joy in attending church, visiting with friends, and spending time with family. She was generous and giving, always eager to make an impact on the people she loved. Her compassion extended to all of God’s creatures; she adored her German Shepherd, Max, and kept a painting of him close for more than thirty years as a reminder of their bond.

Darling will be remembered for her fierce love, gentle strength, and unshakable loyalty. She had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and loved. Her calm spirit and warm smile left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa; former son-in-law Otillo; grandsons Nick and Michael; great-granddaughters Kaitlyn and Carissa; sister Cherry; niece Brenda; and her former granddaughter-in-law Wina. She is also fondly remembered by her extended step-family through her marriage to the late Robert Lynski, including stepchildren Linda and Greg, and Bob and Xuyen; step-grandchildren Steve and Pam, Lauren and Matt, and Dave and Emily; and step great-grandchildren Fiona, Anna, Connor, Nora, and August. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert.

Mollie’s legacy is one of faith, family, and kindness—a life fully lived and deeply loved. Her presence will be missed beyond words, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to call her Darling.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Interment Orland Memorial Park Cemetery, Orland Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ashburn Baptist Church, 15401 Wolf Road, Orland Park, IL 60462 are appreciated. To donate online, CLICK HERE.