Gracelyn Skye Nielsen

Gracelyn was born July 1, 2016 to Alma and Marie Nielsen. She passed away on December 22, 2023. Gracelyn came into our lives as the sixth of seven children. Gracelyn was one of the most pleasant and happy children. Though she was sweet and gentle she was also refined in her nature. Every part of her was delicate and she was attuned to every person in the room. She had a strong presence and filled up our home with her wise and joyful spirit.

When she was five months old, she began having seizures. It became clear to us that Gracelyn would not live a normal life. Her older brother Clayton had been born with the same condition and had passed away in 2009 at four years old. And since Clayton, the family had grown with four additional children before Gracelyn came on to the scene, with one more sister added to the family this year. Gracelyn brought such joy to our family and was included in all our day-to-day activities. She was part of our daily routine and even went on adventures with us as family as much as was possible. In 2019 Gracelyn was selected by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to go on a grand adventure with her whole family. We went to the Give Kids the World Village in Florida. The entire thing was all inclusive, every aspect of it was paid for. Gracelyn knew somehow that she was the reason for the trip. She was a light and a joy the entire time. The time spent with the family and with Gracelyn at the center of it, was magical.

Throughout her life, Gracelyn received a lot of extra care and attention. All her siblings played an important part in her life and her care. Austin was always cracking jokes to Gracelyn to see if he could make her laugh. Her sister Juliana was like her second mother, caring for her day and night sometimes. Juliana was so willing to stay home from parties and other gatherings to take care of Gracelyn. Juliana treated her the way a big sister treats her little sister, with all the special attention and shared fun that sisters have. Her brother Houston was often found sitting on the couch holding Gracelyn with such tenderness. When she was having a seizure Noah would make up songs and sing them to her to bring her comfort until it was over. Even her little sister Bella, who came six years later, had a part to play in Gracelyn’s life. Bella had a connection with Gracelyn, as if the two sisters had a deep understanding. Bella always reached for her, and they would lay together in Gracelyn’s crib who tolerated Bella with the patience of a wise old woman. Gracelyn was at the center of the family, and everyone encircled her with their own unique love and care and she offered such a radiant love in return.

The last few months of her life her suffering intensified. She was having more seizures and was dealing with a lot of pain. Pain had always been a part of Gracelyn’s life, but this time, the pain would lead to the end of her suffering. Her father and her brothers and sisters surrounded her while she was held in mother’s arms for last time. She passed away, quiet and silent, with a faint smile appearing on her face as her spirit was released from her mortal body. She was preceded in death by her older brother Clayton, her Grandpa Ivan, Grandpa Marvin and Grandpa Henry and other aunts and uncles too. She is survived by her father, Alma, her mother Marie, her sisters, Juliana and Isabella, her brothers Austin, Houston and Noah.

Despite the constant loving care she received, Gracelyn’s life was marked by struggle, and she was often in great pain. She handled that pain with the dignity and strength of a warrior. Throughout her life, Gracelyn brought with her angels and guardians of peace that surrounded her day and night. And we as her family witnessed and participated in the holy light that she brought to our home and our lives. Today she is no longer with us on this mortal plane, but she is with us now in the freedom and joy of her release. Her protection and love over her family remains forever.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Larkin Mortuary - Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah. A viewing will take place at the same location Friday evening from 6-8 PM as well as Saturday prior to services beginning at 10AM. Interment will follow at Elysian Burial Gardens in Millcreek, Utah.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.