Felicia lived a long life marked by perseverance, resilience, and courage. She faced many hardships with quiet strength and determination, always placing the needs of others before her own. Through times of instability, she served as a steadfast foundation for her children, providing security, reassurance, and the certainty that they could always depend on her.
Felicia lost her mother at the age of five and was raised by her father, Mathias, a loving and devoted parent. Following her mother’s death, Mathias moved the family to Mahnomen County, Minnesota, where they farmed. He enjoyed reading and often shared books in German with his children, which fostered in Felicia a lifelong love of reading. Felicia attended school in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1943. In her later years, Felicia spoke of how difficult it was to grow up without a mother. From a young age, she assumed responsibility for household chores while her father and brothers worked the land. Her older sister, Ludwina, who was married, often spent time helping Felicia, teaching her the skills needed to run a household—lessons that shaped her strength and independence throughout her life.
Felicia married Lester Darco in August 1945, and together they had seven children: Claudette, Lester (George), Jill, Debbie, Dennis, Kay and Stacie. Being a mother was the most important role of Felicia’s life. She was proud of her children, and her love for them was constant and unwavering. She devoted her life to caring for her family and holding it together through every season of life.
Felicia was a hard worker and instilled that trait in her children from a young age. She worked at various jobs throughout her life, including waitressing at the Red Apple Café and working at Hartz Grocery Store in Mahnomen, Minnesota. After moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1976, she worked for many years at The Denver department store and later at TJ Maxx. She truly enjoyed working in retail, which happily allowed her to multitask at “shopping” while she worked.
Felicia was a loving grandmother who cherished the generations that followed her. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, and her presence brought comfort and reassurance to all who knew her.
Felicia had a deep love for music. She loved to sing and often shared that as a child she dreamed of being a singer. You could often hear her humming or singing a song. Though she always wished for a piano and was never able to afford one, music lived in her voice and in her spirit. She enjoyed dancing and, by all accounts, was a wonderful dancer. She found great joy dancing at parties, weddings, special events, and at the Safari Club with friends.
Felicia enjoyed shopping and always took pride in her appearance. She was fashionable, well put together, and carried herself with confidence. Ever social and full of life, she was always up for a party or time spent with family and friends.
Felicia was preceded in death by her parents; her five siblings; her beloved children Dennis Darco, Stacie Darco, Lester (George) Darco, and Jill Johnson; her son-in-law, Bill Tiley; and her grandchildren Travis Marsh, Allison Darco, Jeff Tiley, and Bret Darco.
She is survived by her children Claudette Tiley, Debbie Blattenbauer (Pete), and Kay Darco; daughter-in law Carol Darco and son-in-law Keith Johnson (Buck) her grandchildren Michelle (Pete) Chavez, Michael Tiley, Melissa (Curt) Jeffryes, and Blake (Falene) Gavaldon; and her great-grandchildren Sam Tiley, Devin Darco, Dylan Jeffryes, Isabella Tiley, Carter Tiley, and Riley Tiley as well as other close extended family.
A funeral will be held on February 23rd at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a Rosary at 1:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 2:00 p.m.
Felicia will be remembered always for her strength, perseverance, hard work, and the steady, unconditional love she provided to her family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Charities or Pathways Hospice.
