Gloria Sorenson Backman passed away peacefully in her sleep at her homeThursdaymorning, February 2nd surrounded by family and loved ones.
She was a creative and talented woman filled with joy and love for her family and church. Young at heart and ready to sing or dance at every available occasion- birthdays, graduations, weddings and celebrations of all types.
Sheprepared a little life story she wanted to include. So in her own words:
\"I,Gloria Sorenson Backmanwas born on May 29, 1926 in St. Anthony, Idahothe 12th child of Joseph Leonard Sorenson and Annie Johnson Sorenson.The family lived in a comfortable ranch style house with 5 bedrooms. They had the first car in the neighborhood. My father was a successful rancher.
When the depression cameit was difficult to make a living.My mother died of cancer when I was a year and a half old.I was a sickly, puny, baby. My father said I once had 12 convulsions in one night. In the space of 4 years there were 5 deaths-my mother,2 sistersand 2 brothers.
My oldest brother was living in Yuba City.My father and remaining family moved to California. Iended up living with my older brother and his wife and their 2 children. I spent my life between California andSaltLake City.
I went to Wasatch, Bryant and East High, where I met mister Dick Backman-the nicest, friendliest andmost popular boy in the school.Dick graduated and we were married by his father in his living room.Then comes my children:Andrea, Claudia, Richard, Deborah, Cynthia, Robert, Martha and Michael. On May 15, 2004, Dick and Gloria weresealedin the Salt Lake Temple by Dick's brother Robert L Backman. What a glorious day!
I decided to teach Nursery school, which Itaught for many years and had many bright and outstanding students including all of my own children. Later, when my children were older I worked at the University Hospital in the Billing Office. Where I had the honor of receiving Outstanding Employee of the year. And I have the plaque to prove it.
A big joy of my life was decorating each room in the house every month. That's what made our house a home.Later,I became more interested in yard work and flowers.I realized that there were three things in my life I wanted to accomplish: act in a play, paint a picture and write a children's book. I am happy to say, I accomplished all three.You are never too old to learn. At 80 I decided to take art lessons and I have enjoyed it.
My children grew up and married and how I love my grandchildren and now my great grand children.I cherish the relationships with each of my children's families. So, cheers to all of my lovingfamily members I leave behind.I am going home to my loving and patient husband, 7 brothers and 4 sisters, my parents, Dick's parents, our little son Robert and our grandson David Price.
Farewell.\"
Services will be heldWednesday, February 8 at 11:00 AMat Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 East Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, UT.
Friends and family are welcome to attend a viewing eitherTuesday, February 7from6-8 PM,oron Wednesdaymorning9:30-10:45 AMatMonument Park Stake Center. The interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery 4th Avenue and \N'Street.
A special heartfelt \"Thank You\" goes out to Solstice Hospice for taking such loving care.
