Sydney Darnaby

Sydney Brooke Darnaby passed away December 28th, 2021. She had just turned 23 years old. Born December 11th, 1998 in Overland Park, Kansas. She grew up in a tight knit community surrounded by her Oak Park Carpenter tribe. She was blessed to be surrounded by so many Oak Park families who considered her their own. In her younger years she had a passion for soccer (#10) and art. She excelled at both.

Following high school, at the encouragement of her grandma Jackie and Cioci (Aunt) Audrey, Sydney sampled Art School at Wichita State. However, producing art “on demand” was not in her nature. After her time at Wichita State she chose to pursue her talents elsewhere. She had a really good time at Wichita State just not necessarily in class.

Sydney actively chased and achieved her dream – becoming a tattoo artist. Thankful for the opportunity her “Divine” family gave her and took her under their wings. Through her travels from mountains to beaches, she gained inspiration, perspective and inner peace. She was captivated by the details of nature, was content having quiet late-night talks with grandma, spending one-on-one time with her friends, or spending hours lost in her drawing. Perhaps though, Syd was most comfortable at home in “her little space” in Westport.

Sydney was a gift… who taught us that it is not possible to harness nor direct the true passion of a free spirit. She was an old soul. Sydney could not fit into a mold, nor could she be forced into one.

She leaves behind her favorite (and only) sister Lauren, and her mother Kimberly who both have realized that her LOVE, intense and untamed, came from someone who loved them very deeply. Her maternal grandmother Jackie Slonka, Cioci (Aunt) Audrey Piezuch/Uncle Joe, who, when mom said no…. they always said yes, Uncles who spoiled and protected her and cousins who were more like sisters and a brother, and Mark Pawley(stepdad), who would have moved mountains to help her pursue her dreams and see the world.

She also leaves behind her father Patrick Darnaby who introduced and nourished her love of the outdoors (and being barefoot), paternal grandmother Linda Darnaby, aunts, uncles, cousins near and far. Sydney’s creativity and athleticism were traits she definitely got from her father and grandfather.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather Bryant Lee Darnaby, and her beloved “Fat Grandpa” Robert Slonka, who has no doubt already welcomed her with open arms (if only she would just wear shoes).

Sydney had so many friends who cherished and loved her. From the OPC tribe to her soccer girls/coaches to her SQUAD (permanently marked for life) and her friends/neighbors from the hood. She loved them all so much. They all were as she would say “her people”. She was loyal to her core for her people.

Sydney loved her sissy, black bean (Brody), and chickens (Uncle Syd).

Our hearts are broken.

Fly high our little hippie….  “It will be alright” – Fat Grandpa

A visitation will be held from 1-3pm Saturday January 8, 2022 at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel.   A service to celebrate her life will follow at 3pm at the chapel.