Our beloved mother, Gwen Caroline Bradford Goaslind, passed peacefully on March 3, 2026, in Holladay, Utah surrounded by her loving family. Gwen lived a life centered on faith, family, and gratitude for life’s many blessings.
Gwen was born July 30, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to John Rawsel Bradford and Lenore Maxwell Bradford. She was the youngest of nine children and was raised in a home centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ. When Gwen was 6 years old, her father, “Ross,” passed away. Despite this hardship, her devoted mother continued in faith and raised a remarkable family. From their mother, Gwen, and her brothers and sisters, learned the importance of the gospel, love at home, gratitude, and cherishing the blessings they have been given.
She graduated from East High School and then attended the University of Utah. While studying in the library, she met a handsome young man named Jack H Goaslind. That meeting began a joyful courtship filled with laughter, adventure, and love. They were married on August 19, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple and together built a beautiful life and family.
To know Gwen was to feel loved. She radiated grace, kindness, and quiet strength. She had a gift for making people feel important and welcome. Wherever life took her, she loved meeting people, learning about their life and cultures, and sharing friendship and faith.
Among her most cherished callings were serving as a devoted visiting teacher and serving in the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women’s Organization. In addition, Mom and Dad served as mission leaders in the Arizona Tempe Mission (1975 – 1978), as President and Matron of the Manti Utah Temple (2000 – 2003), and in many other locations throughout the world.
Gwen exemplified faith in Jesus Christ and knew Him as her Savior and Friend. Mom believed deeply in the power of prayer. She never began a day, shared a meal, or went to bed without first offering gratitude to her Heavenly Father.
Mom loved Life, especially the simple things. She loved Chocolate, good jokes, good music, uplifting spiritual messages, and a good laugh. Nothing delighted Mom more than hearing about the adventures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She listened to every story with genuine excitement, often laughing and asking for every detail. She cheered them on in everything they did.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack H Goaslind; her parents; five brothers and three sisters; one grandchild, Joey Glaittli; and two great-grandchildren, Walter and Miles Duncan. She is survived by her six children: Pat (Bill) Hall, David (Julene) Goaslind, Mark (Sherrie) Goaslind, Liz (Boyd) Edman, Rich (Michele) Goaslind and Diane (Kent) Edman; 28 grandchildren; and 75 great-grandchildren.
Our family is grateful for the many loved ones who generously gave their time, love, and care to Mom in her later years, particularly her granddaughter, Kelsey, and her husband, Dallan. Their quiet acts of service and devotion were a great blessing to her and to all of us.
The family also expresses gratitude to the staff of the Spring Gardens Senior Living Center for their loving and tender care. Many grew to love Mom dearly and affectionately called her “Mom” as well.
Her legacy of love, faith, and family will continue through the generations she cherished so deeply.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Saturday, March 14th from 9:30 to 10:30 am. The funeral will follow at 11:00 am. Both the viewing and the funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 160 East 4600 South, Murray, Utah 84107.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Missionary Department, give.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/missionaryfund
Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, located at 1950 E 10600 South, Sandy, Utah 84092.