Judith Jardine

1932 ~ 2022

Our sweet mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Judith Cannon Nelson Jardine, passed away peacefully on the appropriate evening of the first day of Spring, March 20, 2022.

Judith was born on April 15, 1932, to Nora Morris Cannon Nelson and Joseph Smith Nelson, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She had the fondest of memories while being raised on Logan Avenue until she married. She attended Emerson Elementary, Irving Junior High, and East High Schools in Salt Lake City, where she was chosen at EACH to be Vice President, not because she had aspired to the position, but because others had encouraged her to take on the leadership role.

Judith was known for her beautiful singing. She was asked to sing a solo for grade school graduation because she had sung every Friday by command performance for the music talent show. She sang a duet with a young man for the Spanish assembly at Irving, in a trio at East for assemblies, and at many other events.

Attending the University of Utah, she was in the Chi Omega Quartette with precious friends and enjoyed singing for Songfest each year and leading the Songfest her senior year.

She lived in New York for three months with her aunt and uncle, Howard and Marian Bennion, to study voice, then came home to finish college and graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music and a minor in Secretarial Training from the U of U.

She was very grateful to inherit from her parents their progenitors’ English and Danish heritage and the blood in her veins from the Smiths, Richards, and Cannons who had given their lives for the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

She grew up with a loving family and a good older brother, Fielding, who allowed her to follow him and his friends everywhere, until he found a perfect wife. Fielding helped Judith to have a very happy childhood by cheerfully taking her for wagon rides daily and even having tea parties their mother would set up for picture-taking. He taught her how to climb out of the second-story window to march around on the roof (which we don’t recommend anyone ever doing).

Her elder sisters Nonie and Marian made every day enjoyable by practicing the piano, even letting Judy sit on their laps with her little hands on top of theirs as they flew across the keys, and providing the opportunity for their wonderful children to become good friends with hers as they all grew up and had families. Later in life, her sisters “allowed” (as she put it) her to sing with them in several of her sister Nonie’s wonderful musicals.

She married Leo Arnold Jardine, Jr., in 1954 and devoted herself to lovingly rearing a family and teaching her seven children to love the gospel, work hard, and sing and laugh often. She later accompanied Leo on missions to Frankfurt, Germany (Directors of Humanitarian Services in the Europe East Area), to Moscow when he was asked to be Supervisor of Church Legal Affairs in Russia (helping to secure real estate for the Church), and then to New Zealand when he served as Executive Secretary to the Pacific Islands Area Presidency.

Judith loved the gospel and served heartily in scores of church callings, including being called to be president of each of the Church auxiliaries in different wards, serving as Stake Young Women’s President for seven and a half years, Relief Society President, Primary President, Primary Chorister, Primary Teacher, Den Leader (while a mother of only five girls), and other callings. She was the wind beneath our father’s wings for several missions, mentioned above. They also served together at the Humanitarian Sort Center, as inner-city missionaries, and in the Salt Lake Temple. Mother said, “Heavenly Father allowed me to try to be a leader,” and she fulfilled these opportunities with integrity.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leo, siblings Fielding and Marian, daughter Karrie Ellen, and granddaughter Kathryn.

Her greatest joy was and is her children:
Lynnette (Jeff) Peters, children: Hillary, Hailey, and Heidi.
Jennifer (Eden) Vera, children: Daniel and Aimee.
Karrie Ellen-deceased (Clark) McKee, children: Spencer, Lani, Stephanie, Trevor, Scott, Casey, Kris, Mindy, Jana, Nick, and Alyssa.
Jacquelyn (Brigham) Meyers, children: Jacob, Natalie, Cody (deceased), Bethany, Nathan, Noelle, and Ace (LCG III).
Kathryn (Glenn) Seninger, children: Clark, Sierra, Savannah, and Hank.
Julie (Tim) McKeon, children: Abby, McKenzie, Cassidy, and Jimmy.
James (Becky) Jardine, children: Kathryn (deceased), Sam, and Cannon (“Mo”).

And all of the above children’s spouses and posterity.

Judith loved her friends and family deeply and was grateful for their good influences in her life. She leaves behind over 80 posterity, the newest of which was born just two days after her passing. Surely there was a joyful interchange between the two in passing realms.

She also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of great faith in Christ, serving not only in her callings, but offering Christlike service to all around her! She genuinely loved everyone she met. She loved being a mother and was completely devoted to her children, grandchildren, and greats. She was constantly sending cards and notes to let people know she was thinking of them, even leaving impressions for feeling valued on some who barely knew her.

Finally, her beautiful body, which served her so very well in this life, and which she took great care of, is able to rest from a life well-lived.

A visitation will be held in her honor on Thursday evening, April 14, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Her funeral will be held on what would have been her 90th birthday the following day, April 15th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Prior to the funeral service, there will be a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All events will be held at the Bonneville Stake Center at 1535 East Bonneview Drive (1050 South), Salt Lake City, Utah. To watch the services online, please click on the blue "Watch Services" button to the right of her picture.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice, or plant a tree.


Guestbook/Condolences

Sister Jardine holds a special spot for being such a beautiful person inside and out. It may seem like a small thing but she was kind and complementary even though I was a goofy 6th grader who had a crush on her daughter and was trick-or-treating out of my immediate neighborhood. ( I was in the Holladay 19th Ward and Jardines were in the 15th Ward). Jennifer, I doubt, approved of her mom going out of her way to be kind to such a twerp but it stuck with me to be kind even when someone may have not merited it. I believe those that I have talked to would echo what a graceful wonderful lady she is.
Our current next-door neighbor Kris (Knudsen) Wheeler echoed this sentiment.


- MARK A MCKAY

I was the recipient of Judy’s sweet note. I first knew Judy when she and my sister sang together. Then as the law firm was formed Jim and I had a wonderful relationship with your parents. I was the junior wife in the firm and Judy yea kindly my big sister. Our daughters worked at the firm and have fond memories of your family. Judy was a lovely and talented lady. She added example, kindness and love to my life. I send my love and condolences to all of you.


- Penny Dunn

You mom was so sweet to my mom. She would send her a note or call her every week for years. My mom said she would give her hope and make her happy. I always thought your mom was like an angel. My mom loved singing with your mom. It’s one of her fondest memories. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Love to you all
Shari Taylor


- Shari Taylor

I will always remember Judy popping by with a love note to brighten my day.
I had just moved into Northpoint after selling my beautiful home and being widowed with my children all gone. Judy's visits visible or not, were notes on my doorstep that warmed my lonely heart. '
We visited her at her Care Center and had a most wonderful conversation filled with warmth and joy. She was a most remarkable woman of stature and supreme kindness. I loved her. Marilyn Neilson


- Marilyn Neilson

When I visited the Jardine home some years ago on Penrose Drive I found Sister Jardine to be kind and warm and welcoming. She was a person who called me to a higher level. She expressed sincere belief in the Savior and in his atoning sacrifice and lived in a way that demonstrated her hope and faith. I observed that she genuinely strove to improve herself, even though I could see no need for any improvement. She was able to live such that there was no judgment from her; only love. The list of adjectives that could describe her is long. I remember her as generous, spiritual, gentle, kind, healing, and profound. These words still fall short of my recollections of her character and spirit. As someone who grew up active in the same church that she dedicated her life to I had no shortage of possible role models. She has long stood out for me in significant ways. A part of me has always tried to reflect her values and her spirit in my efforts at friendship, mentoring, and parenthood. I am sure that the extended Jardine family can take pride and joy in reflecting on a life so lovingly and generously lived.


- Stephen Hardy

Aunt Judy is a treasure in my life. She created a feeling of safety, love and true belonging whenever I was with her. And true to form, even in her obituary she points the flashlight lovingly toward others. I cherish the memories of her holding my hands in her face and looking deeply into my eyes every time we met. Every. Time. Her life is one that will leave a lasting legacy of love.


- Georgia Anderson

We were missionaries at Paradise Branch. Your mom was largely responsible for making us feel welcome and appreciated when we first got called to serve there. She made serving there a joy.

We love her so very much.


- Sharron and Bob Day

Those who don’t believe in angels never met my Aunt Judy.


- Victor Sorensen

Was I the 8th child? We’re there more after me? She was such a great example of how to be a righteous mother. Thanks for sharing her with me. I always felt welcome in the Jardine home. No more room in the inn? How about a couch bed in the furnace room. And a million sisters sharing the basement bathroom. So many good memories and love. No one had a happier voice and laugh than Judy. Another star in heaven.


- Nani Crandall

What a wonderful tribute y'all presented today. Can't help but smile when I think about Aunt Judy! :) She always greeted me with an enthusiastic smile and a warm embrace. It was like watching a Disney princess work the room as if fairy dust and sparkles encircled her! You could see it in her eyes that she was genuinely glad to see you! She raised wonderful kids. Best wishes to team Jardine :)


- Stayner

Dear family,

I hadn't heard about Judy's death--I always planned on driving down to see her in Alpine. I missed the viewing by one day! (We don't take the paper anymore, and unless I happen to pull up the obituaries on my PC, I don't know who has passesd away!) Judy always atended funerals!
So happy Judy is with Leo now..and Kerry Ellen..and her many loved ones! Dick and I were one of the last ones to visit with Leo before he passed away. He told us about Judy's nephew who had been an assistant to the president in Russia--and a BYU professor came to give Patriarcial Blessings--all from the leanage of the 12 tribes who were scattered! Dick doesn't hear/seer well... and I drive now! We well-remember when they attended Russia 2 times!
So many memories of Judy and Leo. We first met them way back in the old Valley View 5th ward--into which we had just moved! Later, they moved above us when we lived on Marquis Way in Holladay--with a house between ours and Paul and Rae Jean Davis'. (It was great to renew our acquaintance, and become really great friends.) I remember Judy having a great talking/singing voice! (She was the Primary Choirestor --and I remember her teaching "..Pioneer Children sang as they walked and walked ..." and later Nonie composed and the girls sang in our RS meeting about Judy's great grandfather! James, your mom and dad surely prayed for you, and you endured many years each week at the hospital getting your liver "drained" until you finally got a new transplant! Hurray. Judy and I talked on the phone or e-mailed eahother often. I will miss Judy so much--I am still in shock, and planned on a birthday visit--finally! Love to all, Sondra Galbraith


- sondra galbraith

My deepest sympathies to the beautiful Jardine family. She was a wonderful lady and I so appreciated her influence on me many years ago. Kind, compassionate, wise… a beautiful soul. I wish all the best for all of you.


- Scott Perry

Dear Jardine family, Since I hadn't heard from my very good friend, Judy Jardine in a very long while I did search the obituaries and found the video of the beautiful funeral. I'm grateful for the technology that blessed my life by being reminded of hers.
Judy and Leo and my husband and I served our missions in the same building in Frankfurt Germany. We became very good friends, taking advantage of the "times off" by taking little day trips together, and one time over New Years we traveled to Southern Germany and explored some of the beautiful castles, Neuschwanstein, and others. As we traveled, with the men in the front seat of our little car, and Judy and I in the back seat, every little beauty of nature reminded us of music that caused Judy and I to burst into song. How fun it was to travel together.
We remained good friends after returning home, finding excuses to get together often with other missionary couples as well. My husband, Charles, was happy to help Leo with computer problems. Judy and I enjoyed artistic capabilities of each other.
Judy was so good to send notes and pictures for each event and holiday. After my husband's passing I moved to be with my daughter and son-in-law -- about the same time she moved to be closer to you. Our contacts became less frequent, but memories will last forever. I will be 90 years old in December, am in fairly good health, but I'm looking forward to the time when I can join my hubby and the Jardine's in the next life.
Love and best wishes to you all. Mary Lou Burgoyne.
My email address: mlsburg@gmail.com


- Mary Lou Burgoyne