Laurene Allred Sowby

Laurene Allred Sowby passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, at home due to lingering health conditions. She was born July 20, 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bryce and Loene Allred. She married Wendell Mark Sowby in 1954 and has been a supportive, loving wife. Laurene was a proud South High Cub, where she was high school sweethearts with her eventual husband, and made life-long friendships with those around her. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she had the opportunity to serve; two favorite callings were as the Ward and Stake Primary President. She began volunteering for the Salt Lake Tribune Sub-for-Santa program, and especially enjoyed delivering treasures every Christmas Eve. After her children were grown, she also worked at the Salt Lake Tribune Information desk as a librarian in the pre-internet information age then later typed birth announcements and obituaries until 1994. Laurene was absolutely dedicated and devoted to her family…an attentive daughter, proud sister, thoughtful wife, enthusiastic mother, adoring grandmother, entertaining friend, and much more. It can truly be said that she loved nothing more than time with her family and close friends; she loved to “visit and catch up” with everyone, and could tell you countless stories or listen compassionately. Her great memory for faces allowed her to renew friendships often while dining or shopping. And she was a regular supporter at ball games, graduations, and piano recitals alike. We love you, Granee! She is survived by her daughter, Pam (Tyler) Housley; and sons, Ken (Dana) and John Sowby; brother, Bryce Dee (Gaylyn) Allred; sister-in-laws, Janet (Dennis) Vacarro and Charlene (Glenn) Larsen. She will also be missed by her 7 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, 4 nieces and nephews. A special thank you to all of the compassionate caregivers who helped in her final years. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Pamela, and caring husband. Friends may call on Sunday, May 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 Highland Dr., or Monday, May 6 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Valley View 8th Ward, 4395 S. Albright Drive (2145 East). Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Wasatch Lawn. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Hydrocephalus Association in her name@888-598-3789,Ext.12.