Joyce Z Nelson

Joyce Nelson, 80, of Salt Lake City, passed away peacefully in her home with her loving family by her side on June 11, 2016. "Howard, I just want to crawl into the ground and join you" was the expression family often heard over the past year as Joyce so missed her beloved husband Howard of 57 years whom she lost in 2012 at age 83 and with whose 60-year love affair never waned. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

She is preceded in death by the light of her life husband Howard J. Nelson, father Louis Hyrum Zundel, mother Laura Ferre Zundel, and daughter-in-law Brenda Burnett Nelson.

Joyce is survived by her children Kelly (Anna Beck) Nelson, Christine (Brian) Brimhall, Darrin (Susie) Nelson, Sean Nelson and twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother and two sisters, Lee (Vivian) Zundel, Darlene (Edward) White, Kay (Reed) Christensen, and her many nieces and nephews, and cousins all of whom she loved dearly.

Joyce was petite in stature but loomed larger than life with a vibrant personality and a passionate drive for knowledge. A ferocious reader all her life, she devoured as many as ten books a week. She graduated from Granite High School. She served faithfully in the LDS church including many callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary programs, and loved serving with everyone around her. She demonstrated her intellect and inquisitive nature with all she met. Her infectious laugh, great stories and deep love of family will be missed by friends and family. Joyce worked for over twenty years at the Utah State Capitol as a legislative assistant. A position she loved and where she developed many lifelong friendships. Joyce and Howard loved to travel and throughout their life together continuously visiting every corner of the state of Utah, Wyoming, Montana, annual family vacations to Capistrano Beach, California, and other parts of the country. Joyce became an avid golfer and was a member of a bowling league until she recently became too frail.

Joyce is loved and survived my many dear friends and loved ones who provided care and comfort for Joyce as she bravely made her way through the past year. Special thanks and love from her family to the numerous doctors and staff at the University of Utah Hospital, Community Nursing Services and Anna Beck, M.D, for supporting Joyce and the family with love, dignity and peace through her health care. In lieu of flowers and remembrance Joyce expressed appreciation for donations to be given to Community Nursing Services, 2830 S. Redwood Road, Suite A, West Valley City, Utah 84119.

Joyce's death leaves a heartache no one can heal, her love leaves a memory no one can steal. Joyce left us with so many great memories. May she rest in peace.

An informal memorial service with family and friends as per Joyce's wishes will be held on Friday, June 17, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m. and a family luncheon from 1:00 ~ 2:00 p.m. at the Holladay 18th Ward building, 2625 Milo Way (4910 So.), Holladay, Utah 84117. Followed by a private family graveside service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 2:30 p.m.