Darlene A. Nichols passed away at home on November 24, 2021. She passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at her home in Twin Lakes, Ohio. She was lovingly cared for by her husband of 65 years, Ronald C. Nichols. Darlene was born June 8, 1933 in Glad Valley, South Dakota to Adam and Mary (Zahrowski) Rieger. As a toddler her family moved to Couer d'alene Idaho with grandparents Samuel and Natalya Zahrowski. Shortly after their move, Darlene's mother, Mary, passed away. Darlene and her sister, Delores were raised by their grandmother as their father traveled to find work. She spent her childhood growing up on Couer d'alene Lake on her grandparents farm and spoke very fondly of those times. When she was in her early teens she moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota with her father and sister. At the age of fourteen she worked in the hospital laundry to help provide for some of her basic needs and to save money for school. In 1954 Darlene graduated from Presentation School of Nursing. Her sister asked her to move with her to Cleveland Ohio. Darlene worked at St. Alexis hospital where she met her future husband, Ronald Nichols. They raised five children. Brenda (Walter) Omiecinski; Maureen Nichols; Ronald (Sherri) Nichols; Karen (Brooks) Billings and Craig Nichols. She has 8 grandchildren: Austin, Rachel, LaSha, Ryan, Brandon, Rose, Briana and Cameron; and 2 great grandchildren Addelyn and Zane.

Mom loved our Earth and supported the idea of the National Park System. She taught us the importance of land conservation. We can remember her enjoying daily walks even as she found it physically more difficult. With every step she took she was getting one step closer to God.

Mom loved to dance; always had music on as she went about her day. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, board games and cards.

She dearly loved her children and grandchildren. She lived for her family.

It is ironic that she suffered from a disease that took away her ability to organize and remember because mom had terrific organizational and memory skills. She managed the household, including cooking, cleaning, paying bills, tracking finances, and working. Mom was the night supervisor at Bedford Hospital so she was responsible for the "house". I have been told that when there was an emergency surgery she could provide a detailed report to the surgical team about the patient without anything written . She also knew about every patient in the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Alzheimer's Association or The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.