She married G. Rolland Finlayson on June 13, 1957 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She became a devoted mother to their four children. In 1979 while living in Baltimore, MD her husband unexpectedly passed away. She then moved her family back to Salt Lake City, where she continued to raise them in love and faith surrounded by relatives.
Carolyn filled her life with an infectious optimism. She taught her children and grandchildren to "accentuate the positive," to look for the good in everyone, and to treat every person with kindness. Family was the most important thing to her. She loved spending time together on vacations, camping, playing card games, going for long drives, making good food and just being together.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church positions. She was a faithful daughter of God and served others because she genuinely loved & cared for other’s well-being.
She is survived by her four children: Renae Finlayson, of Sandy, UT; Linda Niksich, of Portland, OR; Kyle (Alicia) Finlayson, of Herriman, UT; and Holly (Dan) Craven, of Sandy, UT. Nine grandchildren whom she adored: Amanda Niksich, Olivia (Caleb) Soelberg, Natalie (Helaman) Oliveira, Abby Finlayson, Quincy Finlayson, Lydia Finlayson, Rachel Finlayson, Oscar Craven, and Ella Craven. She is also survived by her older brother, Dale Sansom, of Farmington, UT, and many nieces, nephews, and their respective families.
Her children would like to thank her caregivers that were so attentive to her in the last few months of her life. Thank you to Heidi, Sarah, and Pat for caring for our mother with dignity and for genuinely loving our mother as your own.
Mom, while our hearts are broken by your loss, we find comfort in knowing this is not goodbye, but simply until we meet again.
Viewing and funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Telford Ward building, 1834 E. Creek Road (7995 S.), Sandy, UT 84093. Friends and family may attend the viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
Please have flower's delivered to Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
