Delores Anderson

Delores Nelson Anderson, sometimes referred to as mom, Grandma, Gma, Aunt Dody, or Nels, courageously and valiantly left this mortal existence on Saturday, August 19, 2023 to chastise Frank for leaving her 21 years ago!

Delores was born on December 1, 1933 to Marvin and Gladys Hess Nelson.  She was the middle child of three sisters - Lois Nelson Deans and Myrna Nelson Driscoll.  Mom was raised in Sugar House and graduated from South High School.  Because of her unique role as middle sibling, mom passionately and lovingly doted on her younger sister Myrna.  Throughout their life they have had a special bond that has sustained and brought joy to them both.  

Mom met dad on a blind date. It was so horrible that they swore they would never do that again.  As fate would have it, a few weeks later, dad needed a date to a wedding and mom consented.  They were engaged and married three months later on March 13, 1954 and later sealed on March 13, 2003!

Delores and Frank raised their family in their home on Wicker Lane in Bountiful that dad bought without consulting mom. This proved to be one of the greatest blessings in their lives - even though the original paint was pink!  

Mom's greatest joy was work.  Whenever someone would ask what her hobbies were she would promptly reply "clean house, scrub floors, and wash walls!"  Mom was particular about the way things smelled. Her signature scent was the combination of Tide Detergent and Downy. Mom was a working mom.  She was a secretary for Lawson Supply, Brush Wellman, and Surety Life Insurance.  On her lunch hour, she would head to Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's home to roll grandma's hair, clean her house, and take grandpa shopping. 

To further teach their children the value of hard work, weekends were spent mowing Grandma Floss' lawn and summer breaks were spent in the mountains of Heber City building, repairing, and working at the cabin. It was a project that never was quite finished. Mom and dad also found joy in working in their yard and garden.  After dad passed away, mom spent countless hours tending to, and worrying about the state of her yard. She could be found pulling weeds Monday through Saturday up until she broke her hip in 2022. Mom derived pleasure in the simplicities of life. When asked to describe her ideal day she answered, "completing house chores and yard work then sitting outside on the back porch with Frank to enjoy a toasted tuna fish with walnuts sandwich and a diet coke."

Mom loved people. Dad referred to her as Mrs. Kravitz One.  Her dear friend and neighbor, Jean joined her as Mrs. Kravitz Two. Mom had a special talent for digging into people's story upon their first meeting.  She could learn a person's life story all in the time it took to reach the 6th floor of an elevator ride. Not only could mom learn about a stranger, but she could also remember and recall that information. She had an ability to make you feel seen and heard. Her favorite activity was "chit-chatting", and her favorite topic of conversation was her family. Nothing brought more happiness than talking about and worrying about her posterity. They were her biggest accomplishment!

Mom had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mom's activity in the church surged after dad passed from pancreatic cancer in 2002.  Mom derived great strength in her testimony of the plan of salvation and faithfully waited for the day that she would be reunited with "that damn Frank." This knowledge fueled and buoyed her up for the past 21 years. Mom cheerfully served as a ministering sister, Relief Society President, and temple ordinance worker. She bore her testimony to her friends and family often through her words and actions. She joyfully sang out her testimony that she "knows that my Redeemer lives!"

Mom is preceded in death by her husband Francis Levi (Frank), and her sister Lois Deans, and great-granddaughter Abigail Stott. Mom is survived by her sister Myrna Driscoll, her sons Greg (Diane) Anderson, Jeff (Cindy) Anderson, daughter Susan (Gary) Damm, her 13 grandchildren, 27 (almost 28!) great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Mom was adamant about not having a funeral with viewing. Instead, we are celebrating her legacy by having an Open House Celebration at her son Jeff's home. Please join us on Thursday, August 24 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 88 West Monarch Drive, Bountiful to "chit-chat" with family and eat some of mom's favorite foods.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 25, at 10:00 am at the Bountiful City Cemetery. 

Even though mom loved flowers she asked that no flowers be given at her passing.  She reminded us often to bring her flowers when she was alive so she could enjoy them- we did!  

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.