Darlene Gail Wilson

Darlene Gail Wilson was born and raised in Chicago, IL. to Italian Immigrant parents, Helen and Dominick Pretzioso. (Pretzie). She had one older sister, Delores. Her family attended the local SDA church there in Chicago.

After graduating high school, Darlene traveled West to enroll in La Sierra College, where she majored in music. It wasn’t long before her family followed her to California. Eventually they settled in the city of Orange, where in 1962, they all became members of the recently built Orange SDA church.

Soon, Darlene met the love of her life, a sailor named David Wilson, stationed in Los Angeles. They married in 1964 and had the honor of theirs being the first wedding ceremony held right here at Orange Church. Before long, they welcomed two children to their happy home, first Dwayne and then Darlynn. Darlene worked as a Computer Operator for Orange County Public Works for 33 years before retiring at age 75. Fun fact-While there, she helped several church members find jobs working for the county!

Besides being a beloved and faithful worker at church, Darlene enjoyed entertaining in her home, cooking, sharing her voice through song and playing the piano. She adored flowers! And loved wearing matching Hawaiian outfits with her husband, David. She found her love of baseball as a child, going to Wrigley Field with her dad. She was her father’s daughter, enjoying all sports. That was especially true later in life when attending Angels and Ducks games with her son, Dwayne and DIL Jean.

Darlene spent the last year of her life at Brandon Manor in Laguna Nigel where she received love, was cared for like family, and allowed to act “The Queen” she always was.

Blessed with a wonderful family and a daughter who always watched out after her, Darlene lived a long and beautiful life, passing away peacefully on Nov 2nd. Now she rests in the palm of her Savior’s hand, where she awaits that glorious day of His appearing.

Darlene’s husband, David, her sister Delores, her niece, Vickie and her grandson, Adam, preceded her in death. Surviving family are her son Dwayne Wilson and wife Jean, daughter Darlynn Willy and husband Chuck, five grandchildren-Dominick, Devin, Bryan (and wife Olivia), Charlsie and Andy, two great granddaughters-Adelaide and Alayna, a nephew Greg Paulauskis and wife Lisa and a niece Lori Weller and husband Jeff.