Darlene was born to Paul and Bernice (Newman) Israel on March 28, 1934 in Cando, North Dakota. Darlene attended a one room schoolhouse for 3 years before attending Cando Public School. She sang in the choir, and a quartet and was a soloist. She also played the flute and piano. Darlene graduated from Deaconess School of Nursing, Grand Forks, ND in 1955.
Darlene married Don Albertson in the fall on October 15, 1955 in Cando, ND. They were married for 66 years. She worked at Cando Memorial Hospital then moved to Blythe, California in 1957 where she worked for Dr. Brownley at Riverside County Hospital and then Palo-Verde Clinic. While in California she was a member in the Jay-cee-etts. Darlene participated in several river cruises. The family moved back to North Dakota in 1966. Darlene worked at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND. She was 1 of 3 nurses that started the ICU unit. She went on to teach the Nursing Program at Lake Region Junior College. She was the Benson County Nurse until her retirement in 1996.
Darlene was a member of Eastern Star for 50 years where she was passed Worthy Matron, secretary and grand soloist. Darlene was a member of Cando Methodist Church where she was in the choir and a soloist. Darlene was a member of the Fort Totten Trail Riders where she participated in the Centennial 100-mile trail ride from Hurdsfield to Bismarck. Darlene was known by her beautiful singing voice.
Darlene is survived by her husband Don Albertson; daughter Lori Collins; brother Charles (Janice) Israel; grandchildren Codey (Julie) Martindale and Jason (fiancé Niki Redman) Martindale; great grandchildren Xaviar and Julian Martindale; daughter-in-law Theresa Albertson; sister-in-law’s Darlyne Mocklow and Linda Israel. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Bernice Israel, son Blaine Albertson, brother Robert Israel; sister Donna Mae and brother-in-law Lenard Mocklow.