Irene “Nikki” Dalgarn was born in Canton, OH on September 22, 1928, and passed away in Galena, IL on February 24, 2025.
She was the youngest of six children born to John and Katja Slebodnik. Her mother died when Nikki was three years old. Nikki graduated from Dearborn High School in 1946 and was the first in her family to attend college. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1950, where she was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, president of PanHellenic, and a member of Mortar Board, the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for superior scholarship, leadership, and service. The attributes of tenacity, integrity, and active listening honed at MSU served her well throughout her life.
Nikki married James“Jim”Dalgarn on September 30, 1950, in Cincinnati, OH. Jim had a strong desire to move west, and they settled in Great Falls, Montana before moving to Washington State. They lived in the Seattle area for over 50 years and retired on Whidbey Island where they enjoyed the mountains, water, whales, and even the rain. They had many friends on the island and took advantage of all it had to offer sightseeing, walks along the beach, estate sales, collecting antiques, and day trips to Anacortes, Deception Pass, and the tulip fields to name a few. They enjoyed traveling within the United States, Canada, England, Germany, and Austria and, as active participants in the Friendship Force, were thrilled to visit New Zealand.
Nikki was a consummate professional volunteer and mentor to numerous up-and-coming civic leaders in the Seattle area. She was actively involved with the local schools, served as president of Youth Eastside Services, now with 50 locations throughout King County, and was chair of the Citizen’s School Advisory Council Drug Study that developed a program adopted for use throughout the Pacific Northwest. Nikki was also a member of the Junior League of Seattle. She was an honest, trustworthy, told it like it is community activist, a keen fiscal manager (who ensured the children appreciated the value of a dollar!), a social being, and a valued friend. Her willingness to lend a listening ear was treasured by all.
Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted children – Mindy of Galena and Chris (Suzy) of Bothell, WA, and her grandchildren Zachary (Richele) of Lake Stevens, WA, Madison of Morro Bay, CA, and her great-granddaughter, Lucy Dalgarn. Nikki was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years and her twin daughter, Missy. Mom, thanks for providing us with the opportunities that enabled us to take flight and soar. There can be no greater gift. May you now be free of pain and rest in peace knowing your giving spirit will live on in us forever. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.
A celebration of life will take place in her beloved state of Washington. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com.
