Marilyn Lucille Galbraith

Marilyn Lucille Galbraith, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. In the final years of her life, she bravely faced the challenges of dementia, but true to her spirit, she seemed to wait for one last Valentine’s Day and a final dozen red roses from the love of her life before saying goodbye.

Born on June 9, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marilyn was the cherished daughter of Leo Taylor Westover and Lucille Macklin Westover. Her younger brother, Leo J. (better known as L.J.), whom she adored, joined the family two years later. Later in life, Leo and Lucille adopted a son Christopher Westover from the Queen Charlotte Islands.

As a young girl, Marilyn moved with her family to California, where she later graduated from Santa Monica High School. It was just months before graduation when she met Wendell Galbraith – the man who would become her lifelong companion. The two attended Brigham Young University together and were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on September 7, 1956.

Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family. She and Wendell welcomed their first child, Debbie, just over nine months after their wedding, followed by twins Wade and Wendy fifteen months later. Jeff arrived nineteen months after the twins, and Mark joined the family twenty months later. Their family was completed nearly a decade later with the birth of their youngest daughter, Jana May. Marilyn embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, filling their home with love, faith, and laughter.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marilyn found immense fulfillment in serving others. She cherished her callings, particularly those involving the youth, and later found great joy serving alongside Wendell in the Jordan River and Draper LDS Temples, where she worked in the baptistry. One of her most treasured experiences was serving a mission in Seattle, Washington, where she worked as secretary to President Alonzo Hinckley. Initially unfamiliar with computers, she took on the challenge with determination, learning new skills and forming deep connections with the missionaries she served. To Marilyn, each elder and sister was family, and she loved them as her own.

Marilyn’s love only grew with each new generation. From the moment she became a grandmother, she embraced the role with boundless enthusiasm. To her, every grandchild was perfect, and each one believed they were her favorite – a testament to her unwavering and unconditional love. That love multiplied even further when she became a great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and she cherished every visit, hug, and smile from her growing family.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Lucille, her beloved brother, L.J., and her dear son, Jeff. She is survived by her devoted husband, Wendell, her children Debbie (Lance) Robinson, Wade Galbraith, Wendy (Phil) Romney, Julia Galbraith (daughter-in-law), Mark (Becky) Galbraith, and Jana Maurer, and her brother Christopher Westover, along with many treasured grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Marilyn’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 1988 W 11400 S in South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held that morning from 9:45 AM until 10:45 AM. Interment will be at the South Jordan Cemetery located at 10630 S 1055 W, South Jordan, Utah.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to them during this time. Thank you to those who have ministered so lovingly to Marilyn and Wendell. Special thanks to the staff of Suncrest Hospice (some of whom have become like family to them), Highland Care Center, and Family Funeral Care.