Mary Luvena Holbrook

Mary Luvena Holbrook, also known as Mary Lu, passed away November 30, 2020 of age-related natural causes. The youngest of five children, Mary was born on March 19, 1931 to Frederick Leo and Alice Day Hart in Salt Lake City.
Growing up in Centerville, Mary was raised on the Hart family farm where she learned the value of hard work. Mary taught that life skill to her children by her example throughout all the days of her life.
Mary started playing the violin at the age of 12. Her parents saw she had talent and immediately enrolled her in the McCune School of Music.
Mary married her sweetheart, Clarence Holbrook, on July 25, 1950 in the Logan Temple. Together they raised 6 of their 7 children.
Mary shared her love of music by working for the Davis School District as the elementary orchestra teacher in the South Davis County area. During the school day she would travel around the elementary schools teaching and, in the afternoons, she taught private violin lessons. Her days were filled with music.
Her talent as a gifted violinist were utilized by many orchestras, trios, and duets throughout Davis County. She played in the orchestra at the Opera House located inside Lagoon. She often took one of her children to sit in the “pit” with her. As a member of a trio, she played at weddings, funerals and at many church functions.
In addition to these group opportunities to share her talent, she has performed many solos. Mary’s most favorite opportunity to perform was often with her daughters in a violin duet and/or one as an accompanist on the piano. Many people have heard Mary play and know how she could make a violin sing like a mockingbird or sound like a train.
After the children had left the house, Mary and Clarence were blessed to serve a mission together at the Family History Library from January 2000 until March 2002. They met many cherished friends there. Mary was called upon frequently to play her violin at their weekly devotionals.
Mary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in callings such as a Guide Patrol Leader, the Relief Society Presidency, Primary Presidency, and as a Ward Music Chorister. Wherever Mary served, she made friends easily because of her sweet disposition. She became especially close to Henny Albiston who has been a dear lifelong friend.
Once a farm girl, always a farm girl. Mary finished out her later years, working on the Bangerter Farm, until it became hard for her to walk across the uneven dirt surface and keep her balance. At the Bangerter farm, she built a close relationship with each of the Bangerter family members. She mourned the loss of her dear friend, Diane Bangerter, who passed away, not too long ago, from the same cancer that took Mary’s sweetheart away from her.
Mary is survived by her six children, Blaine (Catherine) Holbrook, Terry (Beverly) Holbrook, Shirleen (La Mar) Higbee, Nancy (Russell) Bailey, Maurine (Kevin) Young, Karleen (David) Hoggan; 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Clarence Holbrook, and an infant son, Gregory Hart Holbrook.
Mary’s family would like to thank Creekside Senior Living Facility and Renew Home Health and Hospice for their loving attention to our sweet Mother.
The family wishes they could mourn with you in a traditional viewing and funeral setting. But, because of Covid-19, the funeral service and graveside events will be held for immediate family only. A Zoom link has been established for anyone who would like to view the service through digital technology. That link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84406222241?pwd=SVBOTGdyOG03cVNtMllVdm03cTJwUT09

The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am MST on Friday, December 4, 2020.
If you wish to express your condolences to the family, please do so at www.russonmortuary.com