Anne Bennion Jenson

1932 ~ 2019

Anne Bennion Jenson, age 86, passed away at home on March 29, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Anne was born June 24, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kenneth Sharp Bennion and Bernice Peck Bennion, the third of three children. Anne developed an interest in music early in life, becoming an accomplished vocalist and pianist. She loved singing and sang everywhere: at home and at family gatherings, in church and in school. In addition to Girls' Glee and A'cappella, Anne was a member of the Harmonettes—a sextet of teenage girls who remained fast friends throughout their lives, and while attending the University of Utah sang with the Nonettes, the Delta Delta Delta sorority quartet, at all the Summer Festivals, and was a member of the distinguished Collegium Musicum. Anne was also a member of the Tabernacle Choir from 1958-1965, and later sang with the Utah Symphony Chorale from 1985-1988.

An exceptional student, Anne graduated from East High School in 1948 at the age of 15. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors from the University of Utah in 1952, after which she pursued a Master's Degree in Music. During this time, she worked briefly as secretary to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts (Avard Fairbanks followed by Lowell Durham), then as secretary to Maurice Abravanel, conductor of the Utah Symphony. In 1954, she worked for the National Concert and Artists Corporation in New York City, and took occasional vocal lessons from a member of the Julliard faculty until the onset of a potentially severe illness required her to return home.

After six months of recuperation, Anne's thoughts turned to serving a full-time proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Called to the Paris France Mission, she served from late 1955 to early 1958, spending time in Brussels, Belgium; Geneva, Switzerland; and one year in Paris. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of her life.

Upon returning home Anne joined the Tabernacle Choir. Highlights included a tour of the eastern states (including an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show), participating in the world's first satellite broadcast from Mt. Rushmore, and singing at the inauguration ceremonies of President Lyndon B. Johnson. At the same time, Anne served on the Young Women's General Board as a member of the Music Committee. During these years, Anne worked as the secretary to the Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work at the U of U (Rex A. Skidmore).

Amidst all these activities, Anne fit in one more and married Dr. Conrad Belnap Jenson in 1962, whom she first met on a blind date in 1952. He contacted her for a second date 9 years later, but in the whirlwind that was her life, she had absolutely no recollection of him. Undaunted, he continued to pursue her and the more they saw each other, the more they wanted to be together, culminating in their marriage on February 27th in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of six children, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, each of whom are her favorite. Anne's children were her life. As they grew up she volunteered tirelessly at their elementary school for which she received the School Volunteer of the Year Award in 1978 from the Salt Lake City School District. Her children's friends were her friends, and her refrigerator, theirs! Although hectic, hurried, and harried, home-life was always Anne's "happy place."

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Anne served in various capacities throughout her life. She became Jr. Sunday School organist at the age of 11, MIA organist at the age of 12, Ward Choir accompanist at the age of 15, and Stake MIA Music Leader at the age of 16, serving in each simultaneously until the age of 19. Although Anne served in many teaching and leadership capacities as well, her favorite place to be was in the nursery teaching the children. She also enjoyed accompanying her husband on Boy Scout trips driving the family motor home, for which service she received the distinguished title of "Gutsy Driver" from the troop. In 1988, Anne served a 3-year mission with her husband who was called to preside over the California Oakland Mission. In 1994, they served an 18-month mission to Austria and Ukraine, preparing the first group of Church members in the Donetsk Mission to attend the temple in Frankfurt. Upon returning home, they served several years in the branch presidency at Primary Children's Hospital. In her later years, Anne crocheted dozens of receiving blankets for newborns, and at age 80, once again served in the Primary organization teaching children.

Anne will be remembered for her unconditional love, gleeful laugh, cheerful optimism, and beaming countenance that lit up the lives of everyone she met; and for always insisting, "No really, I'M FINE!" no matter how she actually felt. Most importantly, she will be remembered for the deep faith she has in her Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, whose hand she confidently held throughout her life, and by whose side she chose always to walk.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad (2012). She is survived by her children: Kristine Jordan (Bill), Conrad (Crystal), Michael, Maren, David (Michelle), and Rebecca Gardner (Scott), 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Anne's caregivers, and to their dear friends and neighbors.

A celebratory viewing will be held on Friday, April 5, from 6 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South, SLC). Funeral services will be held the following Monday, April 8, at 11 AM at the Crestview Ward (2795 Crestview Drive, SLC). A viewing will also be held prior to the services from 9 to 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Ogden City Cemetery.