Darlene Belt Blazek

The spirit of Darlene Belt Blazek of Greeley was freed Wednesday afternoon, March 20th, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was 93. Darlene was a remarkable woman whose warmth, compassion, and strength touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

Born on September 4th, 1930, in Lindsborg, Kansas, Darlene Joanne Eulalia Levin was the daughter of Joseph and Amy Levin and the older sister of Jon Levin. She grew up in Lindsborg, where her family owned the town's grocery store. Working at the store from a young age, she developed a strong sense of family and the Swedish community.

Darlene graduated from Lindsborg High School at age 16, then traveled to Nebraska to attend Luther Academy and College, Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing, and finally, the University of Colorado at Boulder to obtain her Masters Degree.

Darlene worked for the Omaha Visiting Nurses Association, Washington Park Community Center, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Public Heath Departments teaching life-saving and CPR. She was also instrumental in Lutheran Social Services, assisting immigrant families in adjusting to life in the United States. She helped them seek food, shelter, and employment.

Darlene was a devoted wife to James Belt, having met on a train and married on July 20th, 1958. Together, they had three children, Peter, Brad, and Sara. They created a home filled with music and education. They loved to square dance and entertain, often hosting international students at their home in Wheat Ridge.

Darlene later married Henry Blazek on May 24th, 1998. She cherished Henry's children, son Roger (Lisa) and daughter Cristina (Brian), and their sons Connor, Cole, Evan, and Collin. Darlene and Henry loved their home in the Colorado Springs historical district, gardening, hiking, biking, and hosting friends for drinks on the patio. They also relished their time visiting their condo in South Padre Island, enjoying the water and slow pace of life.

Darlene had a passion for music. She was an accomplished flutist and pianist. She was also obsessed with crossword puzzles and WordScapes.

Above all else, Darlene had a love for quilting. She created works of art for family, friends, and charitable organizations. Darlene was a Piecing Partners Quilt Guild member when she lived in Colorado Springs. She was involved in the PPQG Charity Quilts group and co-chaired it for many years. She spent countless hours with her quilting friends searching for fabric, cutting and assembling quilt kits, arranging sewing days, and encouraging all to sew as a gift to those less fortunate in life. Her love of her craft comforted so many who never even knew her, and she gave the gift of friendship to her fellow quilters. During that time, Piecing Partners donated hundreds of quilts each year to the Department of Human Services for foster children and families going through difficult times, the First Visitor program for babies involved in their program, and people whose houses burned down in the Waldo Canyon Fire.

Darlene was proceeded in death by her parents, Joseph and Amy Levin, brother Jon (Lila), James Belt, and Henry Blazek. Darlene leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will be carried on by her children Peter, Brad (Carlota), and Sara (Chris) and grandchildren Carter, Kyle, Tatianna, and Sovah. Jon's children also survive her Jeff, Steve (Lori), and Susan and her grandnieces and nephews Arianna, Joseph, Jonas, Amy, Ethan, Ben, and Charles.

Cremation is planned with a memorial celebration of Darlene's life at 11 am on April 27th, 2024, at Macy's Chapel - Allnutt Funeral Home in Greeley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lutheran Social Services, a cause that was dear to her heart.