Darlene Joyce Simon

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane R. Simon; father, Alfred N. Linnerson; mother, Irma Naty Samson Linnerson; three sisters, Barbara L. Imig, Adeline O. Gregory and Kathleene K. West; her brother, Alfred “Nick” Nicholas Linnerson; and her great-grandson, Jason.

Darlene graduated from Genoa High School in Genoa, Nebraska. She went on to put herself through college at the University of Nebraska, where she studied elementary education and graduated.

After marrying, she and her husband soon moved to the East Coast. In 1967 Darlene’s family moved to Williamsburg, Virgina. For several years Darlene stayed at home caring for their three young children. Eventually, Darlene returned to work as a second-grade teacher at Magruder Elementary. She retired from teaching in 1995. Following retirement, Darlene began working as a tour guide for school groups visiting Yorktown and Jamestown.

Darlene loved spending weekends at her river cottage in Gloucester. She loved listening to the oldies and goodie songs, especially those sung by Johnny Cash. Darlene also enjoyed watching tennis matches and football games. Gardening was another pastime that she enjoyed. She especially loved herbs, flowers, and had a fondness for zinnias and sunflowers. Spending time with her grandchildren brought Darlene so much joy.

Darlene is survived by her two daughters, Anne (Alvin) and Lisa (Richard); son, Michael (Tyie); grandchildren, Steven (Natalie), Stephanie (Matthew), Michael (Cassie), and Bryan (Hope); and great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Kinsley, Madison, Caroline, Cayden, and Harper.

A celebration of life for Darlene will be held at a later date.