Mary Louise Nelson Altland

Mary Louise Nelson Altland, age 93, passed away February 2, 2024, in Heber City, Utah. She was born October 11,1930 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to birth parents, Hildegarde Meyer Koeppen and Perry Weitknecht. She was later adopted by her loving parents; Laura Sime Nelson and John Douglas Nelson on November 9, 1931.

Mary graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis, MN in 1949 and attended the University of Colorado. She married Edward Temple Altland Jr. on December 25, 1950 in Edina, Minnesota, at St. Stephen’s Church. Mary grew up in Minneapolis, MN, being raised by very loving parents, John and Laura Nelson. She spoke often of her fond memories growing up with her brother Robert, who was also adopted. They spent their summers at their cabin by the lake naming it after her parents, brother and herself; Lajoroma. She graduated from Southwest High then went off to college in Colorado. She married Edward Altland in 1950, they together raised 3 children, Tom, Ann and Suzanne. For Ed’s work they moved from Minnesota to Seattle, WA, Anchorage, AK then to Cottonwood Heights, UT. Mary and Ed later divorced but remained very close and good friends continuing to raise their children.

Mary worked as a secretary for Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. for 25 years before she retired on December 12, 1995. She later worked demoing products at Costco for many, many years until her health required her to leave in 2019. She gained many lifelong friends while she was there. She was always active and on the go, keeping herself very busy with family.

Mary was known as Nelly in her High school days, Dogwood as a girl scout leader in Alaska, and her favorite roll was Mom, G-ma, Grammy and ‘The Queen’. Mom was an amazing soul. Her children’s friends considered themselves as one of hers and she felt the same way about them. She was a fabulous cook, and loved dancing in the kitchen with her kids and grandchildren, just because. Her gardens were always the most beautiful on the block wherever she lived. She loved her animals, hummingbirds, gardening, daisies, yellow, music, dancing, traveling, gin rummy, bridge clubs, crossword puzzles, M&M’s, Blue Nun wine, Chloe Narcisse perfume, Pepsi, and most of all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She lived a full life with many adventures. Mom was always as she said, ‘powdered, pressed and curled’, she was ready for the day. She always had a plan B,and simple one liner words of advice that are priceless to us.

Mary always wanted to make the cover of the Smucker’s jar when turning 100. She later changed her mind and decided 93 was good enough. Even though she lived a long full life, our hearts are never ready to say goodbye, there is a huge void that cannot be filled. Not enough can be said, for she was and is a legend. She spent her last years in her daughter’s home in Draper, UT then moved to a beautiful new home in Heber, UT. Long live the Queen, in our hearts and daily lives with the most beautiful memories. We love you with all our hearts…. to the moon and back.

She was preceded in death by Ed, her former husband, her granddaughter Ashley and grandson Kody. She spoke often of Ashley coming to get her, there is no doubt that she indeed came for her. She was surrounded by her daughter Suzanne and 3 granddaughters, Caylan, Alyse and Tiffany, as she left this world. Her last wishes were for everyone around her to be happy and know how much she loved us all. She was so proud of her family. ‘Spread your wings’ she always said…and so we will in honor of you mom. ‘Goodnight Irene, you little sex machine’

Surviving relatives include Mary's children; Thomas Edward Altland (Tania), Ann Louise Altland Despain (Matthew), Suzanne Marie Altland Watson; 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by; Laura Sime Nelson (mother), John Douglas Nelson (father), Robert Nelson (brother), Edward Temple Altland Jr. (former husband), Ashley Marie Watson (granddaughter), and Kody James Despain (grandson).

Mary chose to be cremated with no services. Her children will have a celebration of life later in the spring where they can spread her and their dad’s ashes together as she wished. We give special thanks to all those who were a part of her life, loved her, helped her, made her smile and laugh. She valued each and every one of you…you made her day always. We would like to thank Wasatch Lawn Mortuary for their kindness and for taking care of our mother in such a respectful and professional manner.