Darlene Elaine Nelson, age 68, of Norton, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and friends on Friday, March 6, 2026, including her loving partner, Thomas Tarrant and her fur baby Lulu. She had a long and special relationship with her late husband Kenneth Nelson, lasting thirty-six years.
Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on October 6, 1957. Darlene was the daughter of the late Donald and Pricilla Bailey. She graduated from Mansfield High School in 1975. Darlene began her career in floristry at Shepard’s Flowers in Mansfield, Massachusetts – a family business that was founded by her grandparents Elwood and Doris Shepard. As a third-generation florist, Darlene continued the family business working most recently at Studio 27 in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Darlene was a true crafts enthusiast, skilled at crocheting and needlepointing. She made so many beautiful items that her friends and family loved to admire and keep as treasures. Darlene was also an avid bingo player at St. Mary’s in Norton where she made many friends. In addition to her hobbies, she had a big love for country music and dancing, which brought her much joy and fun, most especially when she and Kenney danced on stage with Reba McEntire. Her creativity and passion for these activities made her a special person in the lives of those who knew her.
Darlene is survived by sister Cynthia Munroe, brother-in-law Carl Munroe, uncle Carlton Shepard, aunt Phyllis Shepard, nieces Carla Moynihan and Cheryl Kelley, nephew Christopher Munroe as well as grandnephews Ryan Kelley and Owen Moynihan and grandnieces Madison Kelley, Yvonne Munroe and Lillian Munroe. In addition to her family, Darlene’s dear friends Rita Hall and Annette Mayo are also mourning her passing.
A celebration of Darlene Nelson’s life will be held in the Spring of 2026. Those wishing may remember Darlene with a donation in her memory made to the Norton Senior Center at 120 Mansfield Avenue, Norton, MA 02766.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com