Mona Linnea Nealson

Mona Nealson, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on February 15, 2018 from the effects of cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts. She was born in Karlstad,Sweden to Ingeborg and Karlott Karlsson. As a child, she learned to work hard and be self sufficient. Mona joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when she was 18 years old and made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States as a 21 year old girl in 1959, all alone and knowing very little English. After living in Smithfield, Utah for 1 year, she returned to Sweden to serve an LDS mission from 1960-1962. . .Despite only being allowed to attend school until the 7th grade in Sweden, she learned English and worked to provide for herself and pay her college tuition. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1970. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 30 years. On June 6, 1971, Mona married Earl Richard Nealson in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they had 2 daughters who they taught the values of education, hard work, and self-reliance. They lived in Taylorsville, Utah. When she wasn't teaching school, Mona loved to travel. In addition to returning to Sweden to visit family several times, she toured many other European countries and most of the states in the United States. Mona always looked for opportunities to serve others. She would often bring warm clothing to her students in need, visit the lonely, and help her neighbors. Her selfless service continued even after she became a hospice patient. Mona is survived by her husband, Richard Nealson and two daughters and sons in law: Elizabeth and Steve Pearson, and Christina and Aaron Hackett. She had six grandchildren, whom she adored: Melanie, Luke, and Ella Pearson; and Bennett, Quinn, and Kipland Hackett. They love their Swedish Grandma, and are grateful for the legacy she left for them. Mona was preceded in death by her parents, Karlott and Ingeborg Karlsson, her brothers: Bernt and Alfon Karlsson, and sister, Siri Karlsson Greijer. What a wonderful thing is death, really, when all is said and done. It is the great reliever. It is a majestic quiet passing from this life to another life, a better life. We go to a place where we will not suffer as we have suffered here, but where we will continue to grow,accumulateknowledge and develop in the plan of the Almighty made possible through the Atonement of the Son of God Gordon B Hinckley. Mona's family would like to thank all of her friends and neighbors for treating her like family in a country where she had none. We also thank Elevation Hospice, and especially her nurse, Beverly, for her skillful and tender care in the last days of Mona's life. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11:00am at the Taylorsville 10th Ward building, 4950 S. 1950 W., Taylorsville, Utah. Friends and Family are invited to a viewing from 9:30-10:45 am that morning prior to the service. Interment at Valley View Memorial Park following the service. Place of Birth:Karlstad, SwedenPlace of Death:Salt Lake CityOccupation:School Teacher