Caryl Gaye Nielson Mackay

Our loving mother, grandmother and friend, Caryl Gaye Nielson Mackay, passed from our arms to our father's Monday, June 5, 2017. Caryl was born June 18, 1930 to John Willard Nielson and Forrest Adella Booke. She attended Whittier Elementary, Monroe School and Cyprus High School (class of 1948) where she served as an officer and a cheerleader. In 7th grade she met her lifelong sweetheart, Byron Smith Mackay. After being best friends through school, they fell in love and were married June 4, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple. Amidst many challenges in life they lovingly raised their 4 children. Caryl was an accomplished piano teacher. She graduated from Sherwood Music School and inspired countless lives through her love of music and talent for teaching. She devoted her life to her family and serving her Father in Heaven. She was an active member of the LDS church and served many years as Stake Relief Society President, Stake Primary President and supported her husband as a Bishop. She served faithfully for 22 years at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building as a Hostess. She shared her testimony with many and taught her children to love the Lord and endure to the end. She is survived by her brother, Richard Nielson; children, Glen S. Mackay, Peggy Dalton (Michael), Dan Mackay (Loree), Sandra Henslee (Lane); 11 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Byron Smith Mackay. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kate Wilson and Solstice Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care of our mother. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 12th, 12:00 noon at Briarwood Ward, 3751 South 2200 West. Viewings will be held Sunday, June 11th, 7-9:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and again prior to services on Monday, at the church from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. Nickname:MPlace of Birth:Hunter, UtahPlace of Death:West Valley City, Utah