Marilyn W Cordery

Marilyn Willmore Cordery, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on June 19, at the age of 89 surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born in Salt Lake City, Utah during the height of the Great Depression, on December 31, 1929, to Madison Owen and Sybil Holjeson Willmore. At the age of 4 she nearly died from pneumonia. She was in the hospital for one month and was very blessed to recover. She attended Highland Park Elementary, Irving Jr. High, and South High School. She attended the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in Business. She affiliated with Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. At each school, and wherever she went, Marilyn formed friendships that lasted throughout her life.

After graduation, at the age of 23, she moved to Washington D.C. She worked for Senator Everett Dirksen, from Illinois. While attending the Washington Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she met her eternal companion, Jack D. Cordery. He was serving in the Army at the Pentagon. They returned to Salt Lake City, and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 20, 1956.

They lived in Salt Lake City for a short time before moving with their first child, Julie, to Oakland, California for 1 ½ years. Jack’s job was transferred back to Salt Lake City. After their second daughter, Lisa, was born, they moved into a duplex on Harrison Avenue. This is where they were living when their first son, John, was born. After 4 years, they moved down the street into their first home. This is where they were living when their last two sons, Tom and Joe, were born. Their family thrived there, making many life-long friends and memories in the Colonial Hills Ward. She served in several callings, including Primary President. In July of 1998 they sold their home and moved into Country Springs Condominiums in Bountiful, Utah.

After raising her children, Marilyn worked part time as a member services representative at the Associated Federal Employees Federal Credit Union. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. They have many fond memories of time spent together during holidays and the Marriott Mountainside in Park City. She loved to travel with her husband, children, and extended family members. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, going on walks, and attending musical plays. She attended numerous concerts, plays, and recitals in support of her children and grandchildren.

Her love and service to her family extended in both directions. She lovingly cared for her parents as they aged. Serving her children and grandchildren brought her great joy. She was a faithful visiting teacher, loving her companions and the sisters they visited. Marilyn left this life a more beautiful and loving place because of her pleasant nature and kindness. We will miss her beautiful smile.

Marilyn is survived by her five children: Julie (Michael) Boeckmann, Lisa (Lowell) Caldwell, John, Tom (Brenda), Joseph (Abbey), and her eight grandchildren Matt (Shantel), Andy, Kara, Amy (Jake), Elise, Eric (Chantel), Bradley, Noah and her sister Karen Cahoon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Beverly Hurst.

Our family would like to thank mom’s caregivers at the Sheridan Assisted Living Center for their kind love and care and to her neighbors at Country Springs who helped her over the years.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 25th at 11:00 am at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary located at 3401 S. Highland Drive in Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held at the same location on Monday, June 24th from 6:00-8:00 pm and Tuesday, June 25th from 10:00-10:45 am. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent at www.dignitymemorial.com