Darlene Dansie Nilson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2015. She had suffered with Alzheimer's disease for many years.
Born June 20, 1933 to C. Millard and Gladys Hilton Dansie, Darlene grew up in Salt Lake City and attended public schools before graduating from East High School. She attended the University of Utah and graduated in three years with a degree in Interior Decorating.
While attending the U, Darlene affiliated with Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and made many lifetime friends. One summer, she cruised to Hawaii with friends and was crowned "Miss Lurline," Queen of the ship.
Darlene met Darrell Nilson at the U in 1952 and, after courting for two years, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 18, 1954. A year later and with a new baby, they entered the United States Air Force. They moved around over the next three years while Darrell was on active duty as a commissioned jet pilot. Upon returning home, Darlene supported Darrell in his new career and became a stay-at-home mom, eventually having five children.
Darlene's greatest love in life was her children and grandchildren. She taught them by her example, love, and testimony. Always an involved mother, Darlene attended countless sports, school and church functions for her children and was active in the PTA.
Darlene was a friend to everyone and uplifted those around her. She shared joys, sorrows, wisdom and knowledge, always with a smile on her face and unconditional love in her heart.
Darlene worked for many years during each six-week Legislative session at the Utah State Capital, as a secretary responsible for keeping the status of every bill under consideration. During the Olympics, she also greeted and hosted many visitors at the games.
Darlene loved to watch and play sports. She was an avid and loyal Ute fan. She enjoyed playing golf (once getting a hole-in-one), tennis, skiing, boating and riding horses. For 50 years, Darrell and Darlene rode their horses from their ranch in Francis, Utah to the tops of the surrounding mountains. She loved to experience the "beauties" that God had created.
Darlene also excelled in decorating, handwork and oil painting. She especially loved to decorate the house for holidays, including Christmas where she displayed over 100 nativity scenes. She was famous for her chocolate banana ice cream, English toffee and chicken chalupas.
For 40 years Darlene and her dear friend and neighbor woke up early every morning to run, and later walk, through their neighborhood and Bonneville Golf Course. They decided to keep the streets clean and starting picking up aluminum cans along their exercise route. The money from this venture provided equipment for the Boy Scouts, uniforms for Highland Pep Club and many other things. Each morning, she returned home happy, uplifted and prepared to make it "A Great Day!"
Darlene was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many leadership positions. The gospel permeated her life and she never undertook a calling without giving 150% of herself. She selflessly served others while enthusiastically and spiritually supporting Darrell in his various callings. Darlene stood by his side, loving, supporting and blessing the lives of missionaries as Darrell presided over the New Mexico, Albuquerque mission. For more than 12 years, she also served on the board of Lambda Delta Sigma and traveled all over the United States working with LDS college students setting up Lambda Delta Sigma Sororities on their college and university campuses. She was fittingly honored as "An Elect Lady" for her service.
Darlene had great faith in, love for, and friendship with our Lord and Savior. She was always grateful for the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation.
She leaves behind four children: Vicki (Kim) Briggs, Pam (Paul) King, Charisse (Andy) Theurer and David Dansie Nilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister (Afton) and son (Brett Darrell Nilson).
Special thanks to her loving care givers: Mafi Mahe and especially Silipa Mahe for her exceptional kind, loving, tender, and compassionate care that will never be forgotten. They are truly family!
A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 6-8pm at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive. The funeral will take place at noon on Monday, March 30, 2015 at the same location with a viewing before from 10:30-11:30am. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Darlene's memory to the LDS General Missionary Fund or any cause that blesses the lives of others, as she did ours!
Remembrances can be shared with the family at www.larkinmortuary.com.
