Passed away on February 19, 2018.
She was born in Basel, Switzerland on November 3, 1916 to Alfred and Emilia Niederhauser. She attended school in Basel; loved music and took vocal lessons and graduated from the Conservatorium of Music. An accomplished singer, she sang with the Radio Choir, was soloist in the Bach Choir, and sang for 24 years in the Tabernacle Choir, where she felt she was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ through her singing. Ella shared her talent in music as conductor in Sacrament and Relief Society meetings. Ella also sang with the Oratory Society of Utah for 25 years, the Swiss Edelweiss Choir, and organized a trio with her sisters, Emily and Miriam (The Niederhauser Trio). Together, they performed on many occasions. Ella also sang in a variety of opera choirs; the Summer Festivals under the direction of Mourice Abravanel; and was a member of the Opera Work Shop under Ardean Watts. She eventually lost her lovely singing voice through an infection of the vocal chords.
She married Robert Paul Siegmann on May 10, 1943 in Basel, and in 1944 they had one child, a daughter named Olive. They immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1950. Ella and Robert were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.
Her special love and appreciation was being in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for so many years. We will miss her smiling face and sweet spirit, but will be reminded of her whenever we hear the Tabernacle Choir and the other music she loved so much.
She is survived by her daughter, Olive Ella Jahnsen, her five grandchildren, Gina Louise Cummings; Kai Robert Jahnsen; Adam David Jahnsen; Heidi Denise Jahnsen; and Heather Bobbie Jahnsen; her eleven great grandchildren, Sierra Patterson; Robin Cummings; Hunter Jahnsen; Colt Jahnsen; Angie Jahnsen; Seth Jahnsen; Monique Jahnsen; Jasmine Jahnsen; Isabelle Jahnsen; Noah Jahnsen and Kayla Pittner.
Funeral services will be Monday, February 26, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family may call from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment at Mountain View Memorial Estates.
