Mona Jeanne Sorensen, known affectionately as Mamo, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023, at the age of 92 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.
Mona was born on July 6,1931 in Ogden, Utah. She graduated from East High School and the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She loved teaching kindergarten until starting her own family.
She married Richard Jay Sorensen in the Logan Temple on July 27, 1955. They both were dedicated to their faith and their family.
Mamo was a ray of sunshine in the lives of those around her. She had a deep love for celebrating every occasion. Mamo was always there, whether it be a holiday, a birthday, a graduation, a sporting event, or a dance recital. Mamo always made the effort to be a part of every family gathering and create opportunities for everyone to come together. Traditions became the central theme in her family’s life. The most notable of which had to be the annual beach house trip to Capistrano Beach, California. Together with her husband, Richard, Mamo not only provided a fun-filled week at the beach, but also established familial bonds that would last for generations! She had a remarkable ability to know each person on an individual level, making them feel important and loved.
Another tradition was her “12th Night Celebration”. She was sad to see any vacation or holiday come to an end, so her discovery of the European tradition of Epiphany helped make Christmas last into January. Her posterity (or the ones who were paying attention) should all know the names of the Three Wise Men and the words to “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.
Family was the cornerstone of Mamo's life. She cherished her role as a grandmother and showed unconditional love and support to her grandchildren. They always had her full attention, and she genuinely cared about their lives. Mamo's love extended beyond her immediate family, as she welcomed outsiders with open arms, making them feel like part of the family.
Mamo prepared for each upcoming birthday or holiday with special gifts or cards. Everyone (children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, etc.) could expect a treat bag or card with a little cash. Mailing them to out-of-town families was also part of her preparations.
Mamo's faith in God was an integral part of her life. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived her faith with unwavering devotion. Her love for God and her belief in the importance of keeping the faith were evident to all who knew her. One of her favorite callings was serving with the Young Women and also teaching in Relief Society.
She loved singing with the 12th Ward Choir for many, many years. She had a lifelong love of music. She was part of quartets and singing groups (The Schubert Singers) throughout college and her early married years.
In her free time, Mamo enjoyed shopping, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Family was her greatest hobby, and she treasured every moment spent with her loved ones. Her dedication to creating a strong family culture and the bonds she formed with her family members will forever be cherished. Mamo loved to knit and sew. She’s very proud of knitting argyle socks for the guys at school. Her sewing creations were evident throughout the early years of raising her family. Each season her 4 girls would wear matching dresses made for that particular occasion.
She enjoyed working part-time for many years after her girls were mostly grown-up. Trips to Ypsilanti, Michigan were a highlight as she went there to be trained in reading tests, which she then administered in numerous local elementary schools. She later worked for the State Department of Workforce Services processing unemployment compensation returns. She had a job share arrangement which allowed her to alternate 2–3-day work weeks. She made many friends at Job Service and worked there for over 14 years.
She will be remembered by her friends as very fun-loving and sociable. During her early married years, she was invited to join a group of ladies and they named the group the “Welcome-Mona’s”. Initially they got together to chat and work on mending. Chatting and parties soon took the place of the mending! After settling in the East Millcreek area and raising her family, a group of friends got together and named themselves “The Golden Girls”. Many birthday lunches and Christmas parties followed over the years.
Mamo was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Sorensen (2019). She is survived by her loving daughters Lisa Smith, Lori (Stephen) Blake, Laci (Jan Erik) Aase, Lani (Kelly) Garton, her 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Mamo's legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a beacon of light in the lives of her family and friends.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3100 East Craig Drive, Millcreek, Utah. Family prayer to be given at the conclusion of the viewing.
Graveside Services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 12:00 Noon at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah. (Enter at 3300 South entrance and turn left, following other markers as indicated).
The family would like to thank all those that have provided service and care to Mona, including neighbors, friends, and the many caregivers at Spring Gardens Senior Living Holladay, as well as the nurses at Inspiration Hospice.
Mona loved wearing bright colors with matching shoes, especially yellow. In celebration of Mona as a” ray of sunshine”, consider wearing yellow on Sunday or Monday.
To honor her, she would love for you to take a trip to the beach.
Mona was my wonderful, adorable aunt, and neither my brother Jim nor I were aware that she had passed away so recently. Jim lives in Salt Lake and, of course, would have attended her funeral but no one notified him. We’re both so very saddened by the loss if our last surviving aunt.