Karen Brown Neilson

Karen Brown Neilson, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on December 13, 2016 in her West Valley home. Born to Elizabeth Gill and Cecil Ernest Brown on November 25, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Karen was the youngest of 7 children. As a young girl, she loved to spend time reading, shopping and being with family in the canyons. She converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was baptized at age fourteen in the Salt Lake Tabernacle surrounded by her mutual class. She cherished this as one of the most wonderful experiences of her life. She went on to serve lovingly and selflessly in many varied church callings, primarily in the Relief Society. She met her husband, Darel Bruce Neilson while young and fell in love quickly after many "neat dates and experiences together." They were married on February 16, 1956, and 7 children, 25 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren (and counting) followed. Karen loved being surrounded by family and could not hold back her hugs and kisses, nor her infectious, joyful laugh. She lived for Sunday nights in her home in the company of her children, grandchildren and great-grandbabies, where we all gathered to enjoy games and share sweet treats. Any time you asked her how she was doing, she answered with, "mean and ornery." This, of course, was never the case. If she caught something especially funny, it could trigger a laughing fit that ended with everyone in tears laughing endlessly together. We will miss her sarcastic wit and playful spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Robert E, and Cecil D "Bud" Brown; her son, Mark Nephi Neilson; and most recently her sisters Betty Baird and Berdella Keele. She is survived by her husband Darel; her daughter Katherine (Russell Svedin); son Daniel Bruce (Kim), son Dale Earnest (Keri), son David Wayne (Sharon); daughter Jennifer (Richard Higley); and son Michael James (Becky); their children; and grandchildren; and her sister Barbara Bowers; and sister-in-law Carma Brown (Bud). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 20th at 11 AM, at Granger 25th Ward house, located at 2101 W. 3100 S., West Valley City. Viewings will be held Monday, Dec. 19th, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and again prior to services at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Holladay City Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.mcdougalfuneralhomes.com. Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:West Valley City, Utah