Our sweet wife, mother and grandmother, Nancy Jane Anderson Page, finished her final chapter of the great novel that was her life on January 6, 2020 at age 69. Her story is a beautiful one of kindness, service and unselfish love. Though it ended too soon, the impact it has made on us has shaped us, changed us and will live on as any good story does.
Born in Salt Lake City on June 9, 1950 to Allen and Barbara Anderson, Nancy graduated from Olympus High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Utah where she graduated in Elementary Education. She began her career teaching 1st grade in Granite School district at Rosecrest and then Pioneer Elementary.
Nancy married Brent Cutler Page in the Salt Lake Temple on November 18, 1977 and when their first child came along the next year, Nancy willingly stepped away from teaching to pursue an even greater joy—being a mom. She found there was nothing she loved more. Together she and Brent raised three children. In 1990, Nancy returned to the classroom at Highland Park Elementary (her children's school so she could remain close by) teaching 3rd grade in a job share position, ultimately teaching with her dear friend, and singing partner, Melinda Lund. Nancy's kindness and enthusiasm, her love of music and singing, and her love for books and writing touched countless lives in both students and colleagues alike.
She was a gifted teacher who valued education; she returned to school and completed her master's degree in Reading and Literacy from the University of Utah. She eventually left the classroom to accept a district level position as a Literacy Coach, sharing her passion and expertise for reading and writing with teachers in the Salt Lake School District. She also taught classes to preservice teachers at the University of Utah.
In 2015, Nancy retired from the district to do what she had discovered she loved most of all—being a grandma. Unfortunately, her health declined soon after and she found she wasn't able to be as active as she wanted, but she didn't let that stop her. Hundreds of books were read on her lap, there were countless songs sung, and many drives to Arctic Circle for a treat and a talk. She spent the last few years of her life doing what brought her the most joy, being surrounded by those amazing little people who called her "Grandma Nancy".
In addition to being a gifted teacher and giving of herself to so many in the classroom, Nancy also served her Heavenly Father in many callings throughout her life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; among them, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Relief Society instructor, Primary President, counselor in the Relief Society and many callings in the Young Women program. In every calling she had, she served with her whole heart, sharing her love of the gospel, her love for the Savior, and her testimony of Eternal Life with all those around her. Mom was the greatest example we know of Christ-like love; of what it means to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. She brought comfort through music, a meal, a hug and her wonderful heart. She knew how to love without boundaries. She welcomed so many into her home and into her heart and showed them love - her friends, her friend's children, her children's friends. There was no doubt from anyone who met her, that Nancy loved them.
Nancy loved flowers, especially roses and the wildflowers that grew in the surrounding mountains; she could identify them all by name. She also knew birds by their song and shared all of this with her children and grandchildren. She loved to go hiking or for a drive with them when the wildflowers were in full bloom. Music was another great love. She was an accomplished guitarist and had a wonderful voice. She and her friend Melinda shared their musical talents all around the Salt Lake Valley.
Nancy is survived by Brent, her husband of 42 years, her children Meighan Smith ( Christopher), Benjamin Page (Jamaica) and Amy Jorgensen (Michael) and eight grandchildren: Alina, Sterling, Chandler, Makayla, Adisyn, Everett, Alexis and Porter, and her brother Mark Anderson (Georgia). She is preceded in death by her parents.
The family would like thank the staff of the IHC Heart Failure and Transplant Clinic for their excellent and kind care over the last three and a half years and further appreciation for the loving and capable palliative and hospice care she received from Community Nursing Services.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, January 13th in the Mueller Park 8th ward building located at 1320 East 1975 South in Bountiful, Utah. There will be a viewing on Sunday, January 12th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the same building and prior to the service on Monday from 10:30 to 11:45 am. Interment will be in the Bountiful Memorial Park.
We love you mom, thank you for sharing your story with us. It sure was a good one.
