Darla Zorina Nelson, 56, left this world on December 1, 2024, surrounded by love at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. She was born in Anaheim on December 28, 1967, to her parents, Ingela Norstrom of Sweden and Dennis Vanderwaal of South Dakota. In 1973 Darla’s parents had their second child, Salina. Darla attended Loara High School in Anaheim and later Jobcorp in Sacramento. Darla then spent her time living in different parts of Orange County and Sacramento before eventually settling in Humboldt County, where she resided in Eureka.

Darla had her first child and only son, Arie Stone, in March of 1988. About three years later she met her husband, the love of her life, Eric Nelson; they had their first daughter, Amber Nelson, in March 1992. Darla spent the early 1990s working at Frye’s Care Home as a care provider and later chef but had to leave due to a neck injury. Afterward, she put her efforts into being a stay-at-home mother to her children. In July 2002, she had her second daughter, Riley Nelson. 18 months later in February 2004, she gave birth to her third daughter, Chloe Nelson.

Darla was always the brightest light in every room she walked in. She was usually the most social person at any party or family gathering, making sure to talk to everyone. She loved getting to know people, and talking to people everywhere she went. Darla is well-known as a very animated, charismatic, and fun-loving woman who protected her family above all else. She was adored by everyone surrounding her including but not limited to her children, grandchildren, husband, nieces, nephews, and her friends who she chose to love as if they were born into her family.

Darla often spent her time doing several different arts and crafts, but she especially found joy in making beaded bracelets for those closest to her. Darla was also an avid animal lover sharing her time with her beloved dogs; Chico, Emmy, Milo, and Tucker. She was also an outstanding cook and loved to share her recipes and techniques with others. Darla always had a story to tell that made people laugh until they had tears in their eyes. She also loved sharing the achievements of her children with others. Overall, she had the biggest, kindest, and warmest heart; anyone should consider themselves lucky if they were blessed with her love or a love like hers.

She is survived by her husband, Eric, her son Arie, and her daughters, Amber, Riley, and Chloe, her siblings James Whitney and Salina Vanderwaal. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Paisley, Hazel, Dexter, and Sequoia. Also her niece Marriah Vanderwaal, her nephews Kenneth Spaight Jr and Donavyn Johnson. As well as her grand nieces Lena and Kalina. Also her closest and best friends, Peggy Waldrip, her husband Micheal and daughter Deanna, Kristina Valentine, and her daughter Brooklyn. She is preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Dutch Vanderwaal.

Darla will be celebrated deeply in the hearts of those who were closest to her, forever.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Darla Nelson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.