Mary Ann Pedersen

Mary Ann Pedersen, age 84, affectionately known as “Anya” to her grand and great grandchildren, passed peacefully away with family members at her bedside, on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

Mary Ann was born February 15, 1936 in El Paso, Texas to Louis George Hunter and Bobbie Clary. She was the second of five children. Louis, Mary Ann, Pattie, Barbara and Rich.

Mary Ann was preceded in death and reunited with her parents, three siblings: Louis, Pattie, and Barbara, her son Scott, and grandson Daniel.

Mary Ann was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. She attended the El Paso city schools through grade 12, graduating from Austin High in 1954. She then attended Brigham Young University for three years having participated in Opera Workshop and majoring in Elementary Education.

She met Gaylen Pedersen following her Junior year at BYU. They were married in the Mesa Arizona temple on Friday the 13th, 1957. Mary Ann is the mother of seven children Mark Pedersen (Kellie), Gordon Pedersen (Julia), Gaylynn Belliston (Russ), Eric Pedersen (Stephanie), Scott Pedersen (Kristiane), Julie Karlinsey (Troy), and Dale Pedersen (Kim). She has 39 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, 39 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren with 3 great-grands, on their way, that she is loving now. She is known by all her family as “Anya”, Hungarian word for grandmother. Her family was the great joy of her life.

Mary Ann is a spunky, funny, water loving maverick possessing a great zest for life. She chose to be happy at a very early age. She possessed a level of love that radiated from within her soul and was a basic part of her personality. She loved everyone unconditionally. She loved the theatre, leading the singing, traveling and painting.

She served two missions with her husband. She was a director for the Rendezvous show in Nauvoo Illinois. She loved Nauvoo. She had a direct influence on every missionary who served at Nauvoo during her time there and she loved them all. The time in Nauvoo was a pinnacle in the lives of Mary Ann and Gaylen.

Her second senior mission was at BYU Hawaii as a Dorm Mother. Her students were Juniors and Seniors. She loved her lunch hours swimming in the ocean coming home with a beautiful tan. Some of her students mentioned that when they became grandmothers, they wanted to be just like Sister Pedersen.

A close neighbor and friend sent a note to Mary Ann prior to her passing, it included these words, “There are people, in all our lives, who make us better human beings. I want you to know that you certainly are one of those. We have been friends and neighbors for decades and in all that time you have always lifted our spirits and left us being grateful for your friendship.

“In reflecting on those years there are so many characteristics that you have that have helped lift us. I can’t ever remember a time that your love for life did not manifest itself and made all of us more appreciative of the blessing we all enjoy. I love your laugh and it brightens the day. I have reflected on that and realized it came from the love you have for others. We should all aquire that love in our lives.

“I, like you, have spent many years working with young people. I just wish I could have impacted their lives as much as you did. It was a special gift.

“I have also come to understand that the bottom line is your unwavering testimony of the restoration of the Gospel and your commitment to be more like the Savior. We owe you so much and I hope you know how much you are loved by all of us whose lives you have blessed.”

Thank you, Darrel.

Mary Ann was a beloved substitute teacher for many decades. Her time with students and writing personalities was a great love of her life. She loved the many students and teachers with whom she worked.

The world will never be the same without Mary Ann Pedersen. Her patriarchal blessing says that her children would grow up to be pillars of strength. Indeed, this did happen, warts and all. Her greatest legacy, in life, is her seven pillars of strength and their families.

A special thank you to those at Inspiration Hospice, Jenn, Donette, Rose and a special thanks to Julie S. for their love and care during her last week. Thanks to Russon mortuary for their service and care. And the many friends and neighbors who have spent time serving through prayer, bringing meals, flowers and love. We are so very grateful.

A public viewing will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 6 to 8 pm at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, UT 84010. Please follow social distancing guidelines.

We will be streaming the private Family funeral service held on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 11-12 noon. The streaming will be on Mary Anne Pedersen’s FaceBook page as a FaceBook live stream at 11 am Thursday, June 11th.

Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery immediately following the Service.