Darlene Mehegan

Darlene Mehegan, age 86, of Chicago, IL, passed peacefully on Sunday, December 31st, 2023 in her hometown of Chicago. Adored daughter of the late Philip and Virginia, nee Kyriazopoulos; beloved sister of Phyllis Jankowiak (the late James) Jankowiak, and brother of the late Phil (Suzanne) Mehegan, and cherished aunt of Philip Mehegan, the late niece, Darlene Mehegan, and nephew James (Jennifer Duran) Jankowiak During the 70s-80s, she lived a couple blocks away from the old Peter’s restaurant by Fullerton/Lincoln, and could be regularly found there reading Tarot cards. She also did astrological charts and was an early yoga enthusiast and instructor. Besides freelancing with her yoga and astrology jobs, she only took waitressing jobs-where her schedule could be flexible enough so she could travel around the world. In 1988 she went into business with her partner, Kenny Strand, and together, they opened the Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown. Their nightclub hosted hundreds of live performances by poets and bands, even The Smashing Pumpkins played there when they were complete unknowns. The walls of the Gallery Cabaret had a monthly revolving art show where visual artists were given the free exhibitions, any sales they made went entirely to the artists. She also made art during her entire life, but never pursued exhibiting it, and continued to make artwork until her final days, using mostly colored pencil and watercolors. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Chicago.

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