Irene Ann Christiansen Heyman returned to her family in heaven August 13, 2018 at the age of seventy-six. Family and friends gave Ann loving care at home through a long, hard fought struggle with cancer which she endured with patience and dignity. Irene Ann was one of six children born to Rolf Christiansen and Irene Kleven on February 17, 1942. Ann graduated from Granite High School and attended Brigham Young University.
Ann’s greatest joys were her family, serving the Lord in many church callings, serving others, playing the piano and sharing her musical talent with others and dancing with Jean’s Golden Girls in her later years. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker. She loved being a mother and grandmother. Ann taught her family the teachings of Jesus Christ and was a wonderful example to all.
As a young woman, Ann served a mission in Southern Australia. Later she served a mission with her husband, Walter, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of her most rewarding jobs was working with special needs children; she loved each child dearly and had a special bond with each one. She worked in the Translation Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as an executive secretary and met translators from many countries. Ann also served several years in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.
Walter Heyman and Irene Ann married on August 6, 1993 in the Salt Lake Temple. Ann and Walt combined their families of Ann’s three daughters, Teresa (Carl Sillitoe), Wendy, (Troy Brown), and Allison, (Greg Popp) and Walt’s daughter Leslie Ann (Chris Knaphus), son Aaron (Cynthia), and son Tyler. Ann and Walt, combining both families, are blessed with seventeen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren with one on the way.
She is survived by her husband, Walt, six children, seventeen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Kay and Mark.
Mom, you were a wonderful example of hard work, service and unconditional love, and we will miss you greatly. We are blessed to have had you as our mother and grandmother.
Family and friends may attend a viewing to be held Friday evening, August 17, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary – 3401 South Highland Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. There will also be a viewing on Saturday from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Winderbrook LDS Ward – 4366 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 1:00PM at the Winderbrook LDS Ward.
