Darlene Katherine Nelson (Olson) was born Dec. 20, 1947, in Alexandria, Minnesota, to parents Vernon and Wilda Olson. She attended school in Alexandria, and moved to Tacoma, Washington, in 1966 to attend Pacific Lutheran University, where she graduated in 1970 with a major in music education. While at PLU she met Paul Nelson, another music education major, and they were married in 1970.

Darlene taught music and elementary classrooms in Seattle, Washington, Aberdeen, Washington, and Toppenish, Washington. For many years she taught private piano at home. She loved being church organist at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Aberdeen for 23 years, where she also formed and directed a wonderful handbell choir. She was a dedicated church musician and played organ and piano for many weddings and funerals as well as church services every Sunday morning. In 2015, Paul and Darlene retired to The Dalles, Oregon, to be closer to the Portland children.

Darlene enjoyed sewing, photography, genealogy and passing her Scandinavian heritage on to her family. She loved assembling baby layettes for Lutheran World Relief. Darlene was a generous and thoughtful gift-giver and a faithful fan at her childrens’ sporting events and music concerts.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Wilda Olson. She is survived by her loving husband, Paul, of 48 years; daughters Anna (Todd) Holter of Hudson, Wisconsin, Rachel (Eric) Matz of Portland, and son, Matthew (Jessie) Nelson of Portland; 15 grandchildren; sister Joyce (Jim) Thorne of Spokane and many nieces and nephews. She treasured the time she was able to spend with family.

Darlene died peacefully in The Dalles, Oregon, on May 7, 2019, after an extended illness.