Marion Dean Soderberg

Marion was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 5, 1932, to Clarence and Edna Dean. She attended East High School, where she developed a love for learning, friendships, and school activities. Those who knew Marion remember her as a kind, gentle, and loving person who was always thinking of others and looking for ways to help.

At the age of 22, she married Joseph Barton Soderberg, the love of her life, and together they built a beautiful family and life together, raising four children.

Marion attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, where she earned her degree in elementary education. She went on to become a beloved elementary school teacher, teaching at Garfield Elementary, Roland Hall, Wasatch Elementary, and Dilworth Elementary School in the Sugar House area, where she spent most of her career. She especially loved teaching first and second grade. She had a special gift with children and made each student feel important and capable. Many of her students came back years later to visit her and tell her about their lives, something that meant a great deal to her. She taught for over 40 years and truly loved being a teacher.

Marion was a woman of many talents. She was a wonderful artist and loved to draw, paint, and sew. She was also very athletic and loved playing tennis. She and Joe played tennis together for many years, and after his passing, she continued to play well into her eighties. Tennis brought her great joy, friendship, and activity throughout her life.

She also played the piano beautifully. Music was an important part of her life and her church service, and she spent many years playing the piano for church callings. She also taught many of her grandchildren to play the piano, a gift that will continue in the family for generations.

Marion was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith was very important to her, and she served faithfully in many callings throughout her life. She loved the Lord and showed her faith through quiet service, kindness, and constant concern for others, especially the elderly and those who needed help.

More than anything, Marion loved her family. In her retirement years, she devoted most of her time to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She even set aside a special day for each of her children so she could spend time with them and their families. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion and was known for sending cards, thoughtful gifts, and loving notes. Her family always knew they were loved because she showed it in so many ways.

She is survived by three of her five sisters, JoAnn (the late Bob) Raynor, Virginia (Joe) Cannon, and DeeAnn (Harvey) Raynor; her son Jim (Leslie) Soderberg, son Joseph (Karen) Soderberg, daughter Sue (Jim) Shipman, and daughter Sally (the late Doug) Denys; along with 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Soderberg, and her sisters Nancy (Jack) Jones and Sharon (Bob) Lefavor.

Marion will be remembered for her kindness, her service, her talents, her faith, and most of all, her love for her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A viewing will be held April 10 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church, 12353 South 600 East, Draper, Utah. The interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106 following the funeral.