Darleen Mae Williams

June 7, 1929 - December 12, 2023

Darleen Mae Williams, born Darleen Mae Peterson on June 7, 1929, peacefully passed away on December 12, 2023, in Boulder, CO. She was a true native Boulderite, with deep family roots in both Boulder and the historic Gold Hill.

Darleen's connection to the area ran deep; her grandparents immigrated from Sweden eventually settling in Gold Hill, where her father was born. She attended Mapleton School, Casey Jr. High, and was a 1947 graduate of Boulder High School. After the passing of her father in 1948, Darleen helped her mother care for her younger brother and sister.

In high school, Darleen was known as "Pete," a nickname that reflected her endearing personality among classmates. In high school, she served as a drum majorette and began working at Jones Drug, where she crossed paths with her future husband, Dwight. Darleen started her career at the Mountain States Telephone Company in Boulder. Then in 1965, she began working for the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder as a communications specialist.

Darleen’s advice to "choose happiness" exemplified her positive outlook on life. She was strong-willed, always happy, selfless, and, above all, a sweet and devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and wife. Her infectious laughter, regarded as the best in the world, was a testament to her joyful nature. Known for her love of dressing up during Halloween, square dancing, and giving the best gifts, Darleen's life was filled with passion and lightheartedness. Being a skilled seamstress, she lovingly crafted clothes for Barbie dolls, square dancing outfits, and intricately sequined Christmas ornaments. Darleen was known for her poor sense of direction and her uneasiness with driving. She preferred riding the bus and enjoyed meeting and socializing with all of her “bus friends.” Darleen's journey through life was one of purpose.

Darleen is survived by her son, Randy Williams (Julie), and grandchildren: Gale Williams (Jacque) and Justin Williams; her brother, Bernard "Biff" Peterson (Lynn), and sister Idalu Peterson, as well as beloved nieces and nephews: Abbie Peterson (Dave), Adam Peterson (Kate), Angie Doyle (Will), and great-nieces and nephews: Tanner, McKenna, Myles, Sage, Stella, and Ruby. Additionally, she is survived by step-grandchildren: Seth Steele (Kirsten), Alison Steele (Pete), Emily Dunn (Jeff), Sara Wollesen (Brandon), and great-grandchildren Kendall, Emery, Elizabeth, and August. She was also survived by dear friends and caregivers, Teresa Abernathy and Betsy Sandoval.

Darleen is preceded in death by her parents, William and Bertha Peterson, her husband Dwight Williams, and her daughter Brenda Harrison.

In celebration of Darleen's life, an open house will be held on Saturday, January 6, from 10:30 am - 1 pm at Randy and Julie’s home: 2021 Creekside Drive, Longmont, CO. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering this remarkable woman.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice, in Darleen's honor.

“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” - William Penn