SCHENECTADY — Darlene Sophie (née Michaels) Kretzler was a woman who “always considered others before herself; especially her family,” her family wrote in a tribute.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, “a beautiful, giving, and loving life has passed on to reunite with her husband — LeRoy E. Kretzler,” her family wrote. Mr. Kretzler died in 2006.

Mrs. Kretzler was the daughter of the late Daniel and Sophie (née Mach) Michaels and a 1965 graduate of Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School.

As a lifelong local resident, Mrs. Kretzler went to San Antonio, Texas twice to receive cancer treatment. “Sadly, she was unable to return home as she lost that courageous battle,” her family wrote. “She is truly loved and missed.”

A full-time loving mother and wife, she also had a cherished dog-companion, Elmo.

For many years, Mrs. Kretzler worked the third shift at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady. She then changed careers and retired from AAA Northway after nearly 20 years.

Mrs. Kretzler was a parish member of St. Luke’s Church in Schenectady for over 40 years.

“Darlene was filled with love, kindness, and beauty inside and out, always with a smile on her face,” her family wrote.

She is survived by her four children: Roy Kretzler and his wife, Tracy, Terri Corbett and her husband, Alan, Paul Kretzler, and Jaclyn Kretzler, along with her grandchildren, loving sister, and four brothers.

Calling hours are on Wednesday, April 22, at noon at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church at 1241 State Street in Schenectady, followed by a 2 p.m. Mass. There will be an appropriate double intermittent for Darlene and LeRoy Kretzler at Saratoga National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on their wedding anniversary: Thursday, April 23.