Nancy C. Darling

Nancy C. Darling passed away unexpectedly in her home in Mountain View, Calif., on November 17, 2016. She was born in Auburn to Mervalyn (Pasco) and Joe Darling on May 5, 1939. Joe moved the family to Falls City where he ran the Darling Transfer. Nancy graduated from Falls City High in 1957 where she was best remembered as being called "Jake". She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1961, where she was affiliated with the Phi Mu Sorority.



After graduation she worked at the Downey V.A. Hospital in the Chicago area as a recreational therapist. Nancy returned to school and earned a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility Therapy from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich. Nancy's career working with persons that were disabled began in St. Augustine, Fla., where she prepared blind patients to attend public schools. Her success in this field resulted in her being the first female to be hired as a mobility therapist at the Blind Rehabilitation Center at the V. A. Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. where she taught veterans mobility skills.



Nancy received the award for Outstanding Service to Veterans by the Veterans Administration Hospital at Palo Alto. It was her move to California that turned her into a die-hard 49ers fan. When Nancy retired she volunteered as a docent at the Ana Nueva, Calif., State Park and the Mammal Rehabilitation Center helping rescued sea lions and seals. Her kindness extended beyond giving her time as she also contributed to the Marine Mammal Society, Monterey Bay Society and Yosemite National Park, her favorite place.



She will be truly missed by her family and friends who will be gathering at Monterey Bay, Calif., to celebrate her life on her birthday May 5, 2017.



Nancy is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Ed) O'Grady, Deanna (Glen) Mellage, Vicki (Jim) McMurray, Gail (Ron) Sears, Linda (Marlin) Boden and brothers Dale Darling and Larry (Faye) Darling, many nieces and nephews.