Darleen Margaret Nordlund nee LaBrash
April 2, 1945 – January 2, 2025
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.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
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
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
