Marlene Wilson

Marlene Nielson Wilson

1932-2023

Our Beloved Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother & Great-Great Grandmother passed peacefully through the veil while holding her daughter Tami's hand on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Marlene was born to Charles Grant and Arvilla (Painter) Nielson, August 26, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Marlene was affectionately known to her family as "Molly". At a young age her family moved to California where she enjoyed a love and laughter-filled home with sisters Beverly, Loretta and brothers Grant and Brent. These five forged a sibling bond enjoyed throughout their lives, and stands as an example to all of us to emulate.

Marlene attended public schools in Southern California. Always popular and attractive-she was encouraged to enter the Rose Parade Queen Pageant held each year in Pasadena-she was a finalist and member of the Queen's Court.

Always a good sport, she agreed to a Halloween "Blind Date"-little did she know-her spook, Lyall Wilson, would become the love of her life. They were married, after Lyall met his future father-in-law's conditions, on December 22, 1949, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Later solemnized in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a married couple they formed a dynamic duo. Marlene's creative flair for interior design combined with Lyall's ability to build, fix or refurbish anything made their homes the envy of the neighborhood in Glendora, Diamond Bar, and Irvine, California and in Sandy and Holladay, Utah.

While there were many home projects, they never lost sight of the goal to build loving sanctuaries to nurture their children Lyall Steven (Steve), Debra Ann (Debi) and Tamra Lea (Tami). As their children married they welcomed with open arms Robert Tuttle, Catherine Coles and Regan Tingey to the family.

Without question, the crowning achievement of their life together was realized when the titles of Grandpa and Grandma were bestowed upon them. At the time of her passing Marlene was the beloved Matriarch to a family of 15 GRANDchildren, 43 GREAT-GRANDchildren and 1 GREAT-GREAT-GRANDdaughter. Every one felt love in her presence or at Grandma's House; everyone believed (and have stories to prove it) they were her favorite.

We will miss, but always remember, the joy she derived from transforming her home to become Santa's helper for love-filled family Christmas parties. Marlene's Legacy is love and service; strength during difficulty; faith in Jesus Christ, and the recognition that...life is a blessing to be cherished and celebrated so always have a smile and a laugh ready.