Gloria Nielson

Gloria Rae Curtis Nielson

On Saturday, October 15, 2016, our dear Granny returned home and was reunited with her eternal companion and “partner in crime” Melvin. We joyfully say goodbye to this great matriarch, mother, grandmother, and friend, and are overwhelmed imagining the meeting of these two sweethearts.  Her life was dedicated to service, the Lord, and the people she loved most, her family.  She was loved by so many and her life was filled with this love.

Born June 6, 1927, to Frederick and Florence Curtis, she was a “glorious ray” of sunshine in their lives and was surrounded by an extended family who cherished her. Later, she was joined by a younger brother, Fred Curtis, and sister, Claudia Curtis Jensen Katich, whom she loved dearly.

Education and helping others was at her core. After attending the University of Southern California and graduating from the University of Utah, she spent a lifetime as a devoted kindergarten teacher blessing the lives of thousands of students, children, and grandchildren. She has left a legacy of learning.

Granny gave her time to all the things she loved most: knitting hats, art shows, teaching, women's societies, ceramics, but none of those ever came close to family time. Granny lived every day to make sure her family knew they were loved and taken care of, and always found a reason to gather her family around her. She hosted monthly Family Home Evenings, Holiday events, and vacations where she showered us with love and shared her testimony of the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Gloria has always had a cheerful disposition and a witty sense of humor.  “Smile darn you Smile” echoed from her mouth if she could see that you were not having a good day.  Laughter was her medicine for any ailment. She firmly believed “life is that we might have JOY.”

Gloria spent her lifetime serving others in a variety of callings in the LDS Church. She dedicated her time and whole heart whether serving as Stake Relief Society President or Ward Librarian. She also served diligently in her community leading and participating in the American Association of University Women, providing community art shows for high school students, volunteering at Antelope Island, serving on the Kaysville Library Board, and providing education and humanitarian kits, as well as, handmade blankets and hats to children in need throughout the world.

Granny is survived by her six children and their loving spouses; Curtis and Sandi Nielson, Scott and Mary Ann Nielson, Julie and Ryan Jenkins, Kevin and Renee Nielson, Kim and Kurt Nielson, and Tracy and Kale Syme. She will be dearly missed by her 27 grandchildren (and their spouses), 41 great grandchildren, a brother and sister, nieces and nephews, all of whom she deeply loved.

The family expresses love and appreciation to the thoughtful caregivers at Rocky Mountain Care Center and Right at Home who have provided exceptional care for Gloria over the past two years.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary in Kaysville Utah (400 Main St, Kaysville, UT). Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct 22nd at the Kaysville 4th ward meeting house (875 E 200 N, Kaysville). A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 prior to the service. Internment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT) at approximately 1:30 pm.

Granny’s example in life was much farther reaching than just ABCs and 123's. She always had a story, poem, song, or rhyme to brighten your day and put things into perspective.  She taught us to love God, cherish family, show kindness to others, and to press forward with faith.  Until we meet again “Sweet Granny Glor.”