Darleen A. Simpson

Darleen A. Simpson, age 95, passed away on the morning of September 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of The Inn at Greenwood Village. Darleen was adored by her family and left a permanent mark on each of her loved ones with her quick wit, stubborn resolve, and unconditional love. Darleen was born to Virginia and Henry Skoglund in Big Springs, Nebraska, on the kitchen table in the family farmhouse. She grew up on that farm with her parents and her two brothers, Benard and Lonnie. There she excelled in riding her horse, driving cattle, and performing all the tasks involved in running a farm. At the age of 18, she moved from Big Springs to Denver and lived with her cousin, Eileen. During World War 2, Darleen moved to Utah to work as a secretary for the Army, and after the war she returned to Denver. The hand of God prompted a normally shy young Norbert to ask “the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen” to dance. She said yes, and the rest is history. Her greatest enjoyment was always to be with her family. Every Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, and for many weekends, Darleen would become the ultimate hostess. Her joyful smile greeted her guests as they arrived, affirmed her love for them, and acknowledged their special place in her heart. Her keen memory, her thoughtful gifts, and a consistent flow of genuine care for others made her loved ones feel lucky. Darleen was a culinary artist and would regularly show her love for people by sharing some of her specialties: excellent fudge, cookies, apple pie, oyster stew, ham balls, and chili. She was not only a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and hostess. Her grateful husband, Norbert, says Darleen was the perfect wife. The two were married for 63 years. Darleen is survived by her husband, Norbert, and was preceded in death by her children, Daryl, Dale, and Dianne, who left them with 5 wonderful grandchildren, Trevor (Amy), Turner (Angela), Kevin (Diana), Kristin (Bryan), and Ashley (Roy); and 13 great-grandchildren: Kenny, Cameron, Rylee, Emma, Matt, Cayden, Scott, Sydney, Sophia, Caleb, Johanna, Morgan, and Jayce. All of us are comforted by her faith, assured that she is whole in God’s arms.