Darcy Renae “Star” Pustola Rhoads, 37, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 5, 2022. She was born June 9, 1984 at Fort Ord, Monterey County, California to Bruno and Colleen Pustola.
She was a resident of Colorado Springs. Star formerly lived in Germany, Arizona and Oklahoma
Darcy was a Certified Nursing Assistant working in nursing homes. She left her former occupations, wanting to help and make a difference. She was excited to work with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and had planned to be certified in that medical career stage.
Star was a true Gemini. On the one side she was compassionate while on the other a force to be reckoned with. Her soft, sensitive soul was seen only to her patients and those who were in her inner circle. People in her outer circle saw a woman full of life, laughter and sometimes full of attitude.
Darcy could be fierce in when stirred to protectiveness or anger, and many times her forthright approach to people had no filter. The fire in her soul reflected a vivacious personality capable of amusing people with her clever, witty remarks leaving you in stitches with laughter, then converse intelligently with you about many subjects.
Just four years ago Darcy met the love of her life, Patrick Sweeney. She considered the last four years with him her happiest and most fulfilling. She and Patrick had spent many hours planning their future. They had planned to marry April 7th this year.
Star loved Datsun, the dog she and Patrick raised from a puppy. She also enjoyed working with Patrick on cars.
In addition to her parents and fiancé, Darcy leaves behind her brothers, Donald of Alabama and Derek of Colorado Springs, and two sisters, Diane Pustola and Delaine (Pustola) Allen, both of Colorado Springs. Two nephews, Mason and Eon, are also of Colorado Springs. In addition, aunts and uncles residing in other states.
You tried so hard, but until now we did not fully appreciate the magnitude and range of your significance to the world around you, not knowing that we wouldn’t see you tomorrow. Your energy, the contributions and presence you gave us as a daughter, fiancée and sister were memorable. We will all love and miss you forever, my cherished daughter, Darcy.
A funeral service for Darcy will be held at 2 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance (1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs) on Saturday, February 19. Visitation begins at 1 p.m.
The Coffmans
12 Feb 2022Our condolences to all who knew and loved her. We were Darcy’s neighbors across the street and enjoyed many evenings of conversation as she brought Datsun out to play.
Mark and Amy Sweeney
16 Feb 2022We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss of someone so vibrant and full of life. Our hearts go out to Darcy’s family as well as Patrick, Michael and Herb Sweeney. May you all always keep the fond memories in your hearts and soul.
Lisa & Chad Siebert
19 Feb 2022We will greatly miss Darcy’s vivacious presence on our street, she was clearly loved and we are keeping Patrick and her whole family in our hearts.
The Leveilles
19 Feb 2022We are also neighbors of the Sweeney’s and had the pleasure of getting to know Darcy over the last few years as our dogs quickly became “besties”! I did, and always, will appreciate the openness, appreciation, and acceptance that Darcy had of all people and the way she was able to see the positive in difficult situations. She shared the passion of making a difference in the medical field with our daughter and used her optimism to encourage a path. She will be fondly remembered any time Emily uses her scrubs or stethoscope! Our condolences to all who loved her – thank you for sharing her with us!
Caitlin L Reedy
19 Feb 2022I’m very saddened by this news. I worked with Darcy at Mt. St. Francis, she always greeted me with a big hug and was willing to help whenever she could. I’ll miss her terribly. Rest in peace, lady. ?
Anonymous
19 Feb 2022Sadness in the heart a tear on the face that no one will notice Prayer that still connects Love that does not end
Eusila Bungei
20 Feb 2022Star l am so saddened by your sudden demise. I appreciated the days I worked with you. My condolences to the family and may your soul rest in peace.