It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected yet peaceful passing of Darleen Nordlund January 2, 2025, at Princess Court in Dryden at the age of 79.
Darleen is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Roger Nordlund, her brother Harvey LaBrash, daughter Laura and son-in-law Vic Zajarny, Grandchildren Carla and Mark Savinac, her two great grandchildren Khloe and Bennett, Terri Desserre “second daughter” and best friend Linda Patty, along with all of her loving dedicated friends.
In her younger years, Darleen was known for her singing, as well as the successful business she and Roger built together – Nordlund’s Dryden Limited – for over 27 years employed many local youths. They become and have remained very close, like family. To this day the recreation of the Chili from their drive-in restaurant’s well known “chilli/cheeze burger is still attempted by many.
Darleen spent many years involved and being instrumental in many facets within the community. The onset of the Oxdrift Fire Department and the creation of the local OPP Community Policing Committee. She remained a Canadian Ambassador for the BMWMOA (motorcycle association of America) spanning decades.
Together, they travelled extensively through the US on Motorcycle making extended family along the way. In her later years she became very active with the Conservative party here in Dryden.
Darleen was creative, she loved doing her crafts. From ceramics to needle point, there wasn’t much she didn’t try to tackle over the years. Family and friends most noted her for her home-made bread, as store bought bread was taboo unless absolutely necessary.
We would like to thank Heidi Cote of the Kenora Alzheimer’s Society as well as everyone at Princess Court who truly have been outstanding in her care and everyone for the roles they took in her life to make it such a special one.
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Lorne and Anne Silver says
January 9, 2025 at 6:43 pmOur condolences to Roger ,Laura Vic and family . Darleen was a great friend to Anne and I over the years.She was a person who could get things done . I first got to know Darleen through our OPP Community Policing Committee and further worked with her when she worked out of Greg Rickford’s office . She knew how to get the best out of volunteers that worked under her guidance .She was very community minded and really cared about people .. Even though i haven’t seen Darleen for a few years I have often thought about our time spent with her over the years. Darleen you will be truly missed.
Lorne & Anne Silver
Larry & Trudy Sukava says
January 9, 2025 at 8:50 pmOur deepest condolences Laura on the passing of your mother !
Michelle De Coninck says
January 13, 2025 at 4:05 amMy condolences to Roger, Laura and family. I have to say I was truly surprised to find Darleen had pass away. She was always the Energizer Bunny with all tasks related to volunteerism. I worked with Darleen for 5 years on the OPP Community Community and she assisted me with some accounting issues when I left the service to help my spouse in our business.
I will remember our trip to Kingston in the spring of 2000 for an Ontario Community Policing Conference at Queen’s University. We enjoyed seeing the Tony’s Wedding musical in Toronto the evening before and took the scenic route for parts of the route. So many fun memories along side all the work we did together.
My condolences. Darleen will be missed.
Larry & Trudy Sukava says
January 9, 2025 at 8:51 pmOur deepest condolences Laura on the passing of your mother !
Robbin McGillivray says
January 9, 2025 at 11:21 pmRoger and family… my thoughts are with you during this sad time…
Robbin (Oberg) McGillivray
Bill Vincent says
January 12, 2025 at 2:54 pmRoger and family
Our thoughts are with you at this time. Darlene was a great lady and will be missed.
Bill and Susan Vincent
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Princess Court DECO, Box 953, Dryden, ON P8N 3E3 or to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts, 618 9th St. N, Kenora, ON P9N 2S9