Loraine Beesley Passey

Loraine Beesley Passey, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 22. 2023.
Loraine was born to Theresa McCallister Beesley and Alvin Douglas Beesley on March 24, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the youngest of 8 children, and often said that there wasn't a crib for her, so she had to sleep in a drawer.  She had wonderful memories of growing up in the Avenues area of Salt Lake City, across from the Ensign Elementary School. Her single mother often had to work long hours to support the family and she and her siblings grew up relying on each other. They loved being outdoors, playing with siblings and cousins, and spending many days at the public pool. She was not above a bit of mischief, bragging to her grandchildren that she used to sneak up on to the roof of the school. She attended and graduated from West High School, where she was involved in Leaders Club and other areas of school service.  She began a lifelong love of singing through her involvement in the A'Cappella choir. 
Loraine had a beautiful voice and loved to sing.  She was a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group for many years.  It was through a Sweet Adeline's choir event that she would eventually meet Robert Kay Passey.  They became sweethearts, and were married September 16, 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple.  She supported Bob while he finished his degree at the University of Utah.  After graduating, they moved to Bountiful, where they welcomed a son Wayne, and later another son Brent. A few years later, her little family moved to a home at 745 E. 800 S. in Centerville that they would call home for the next 60 years. Upon moving here, a daughter, Jeniel was added to the family, as well as a son Steven, and finally one more daughter, Lynette would complete the family.
Loraine was tirelessly devoted to her husband and children. She would attend every school function, every competition, and every recital supporting her kids. She believed in being thrifty, often sewing clothing for her kids, and teaching them how to preserve fruits and vegetables, and bake bread. She worked an extra job at Barton Shoes to help support the family and support her children that went on missions. Due to Bob's work commitments, he would often be gone for months at a time and Loraine was left to run the household with 5 children on her own.  Perhaps this is why Bob often referred to her as 'The Boss Lady' due to her ability to keep their home running smoothly, even while he was away.
In addition to her family, Loraine could always be found serving and loving everyone around her.  She would often take meals into neighbors, and she volunteered with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and at Lakeview Hospital.  Loraine loved the Lord, and she taught her family the gospel, both in word and deed.  She was a devoted visiting teacher and served in Primary and Relief Society for many years.  One of the callings she loved the most was serving as a librarian of the Centerville 6th ward. 
Her other well-known 'calling' was being known as the neighborhood "candy lady." Children would come over to her house and she would let them choose candy from her vast selection, which was always stocked.
Loraine loved many simple treasures in life, like Creamies ice cream bars, a good book, and the neighborhood children coming over to ask if she had a treat.  She would spend many peaceful evenings sitting on the porch with Bob, just content to be there with him.  She left a legacy of love with whoever she encountered.
Loraine is preceded in death by parents, her siblings, her husband Robert Kay Passey, who passed away October 22, 2022, and two of her granddaughters; Meghan M. Passey and MayLyn Passey. She is survived by her sons R Wayne Passey, Brent K (Kathy) Passey, and Steven K (Julie) Passey, daughters; Jeniel (Victor) Barnes, Lynette (Matthew) Roylance, 12 Grandchildren, and 14 Great Grandchildren. 
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 8th at 10 am at the Centerville 6th Ward Church, 900 South 400 East in Centervillle. Friends and family may call Sunday from 6pm-8pm at Russon Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main St. in Bountiful and Monday 9:00am-9:45am at the church. Interment will be at Centerville City Cemetery.