Colleen (Nielsen) Spencer

Mother we love you, mother we do, Father in Heaven has sent us to you, Mother we love you, mother we do, now you’re in Heaven and we will miss you! Our sweet Mother, Colleen Nielsen Spencer returned home on August 3,2021 while at St. Mark’s Hospital in S.L.C.  She passed away due to complications of a fall.

Colleen was born on August 30, 1934 in Provo, Utah to James Eugene Nielsen and Lillian Russell. She was the tenth of 10 children and she even admitted to being spoiled and loving it. As adults they all loved getting together.

She was a beauty! and served as queen at the golden green ball and attendant at another.  She fondly remembered her walks to Provo High along 5th West. While a student there she met the love of her life Norman Darwin Spencer. They loved to go dancing and hanging out with their best friends Doug and Helen Dixon. They married while she was a senior in high school on January 4, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. She was back in school the next day. After she graduated they moved to Missoula Montana for a short time.

They then established home back in Provo where they started their family. Their first son Michael was born in 1954 with their second son Steven arriving 15 months later in 1955 and their third son Paul arriving 15 months later on her birthday in 1956. Her hands were busy with three young sons. The stories we hear about their antics can make anyone smile and have a good chuckle. Colleen and Norman rounded out their family adding another son Douglas and then a sweet daughter Sherri. They moved to Mapleton in 1964 where there was room for four young boys to learn how to do chores living on a small farm. She worked at a dental office for a while and then delivering papers. When her 2nd son went on a mission she started working at Mapleton Elementary as a lunch worker. It was here that she found some of her dearest friends. It was also fun for some of her grandchildren to pop into the kitchen and tell grandma hi before going to class. Colleen was over the bakery, making fresh baked rolls, donuts and cookies all from scratch. At home she continued with this talent making The World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls filled with chocolate chips. These rolls were to die for. Some of Colleen’s other talents were quilting, making each grandchild a quilt. She loved singing in the choir with her beautiful alto voice. She was so thoughtful and personal when choosing a gift for someone. The grandchildren loved being at grandmas house. She had a closet full of purses that the granddaughters loved. There were many a picnic under the big oak tree. Colleen’s greatest asset was her family. She loved her family with all of her heart.

Colleen had a testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. She never wavered from this known truth. She stood firm in this knowledge even when trials hit. In fact because of her testimony she was able to be strong. She served in her Savior’s church in all of the auxiliaries. She was a Relief Society President and served for years as the ward music leader.

Colleen had many Christ like attributes, she had a forgiving heart and forgave others easily.  She loved others, especially each person that was a part of her quickly growing and changing family. Colleen always had a heart full of gratitude, from the smallest act of kindness to the largest, she was grateful.  She followed the Prophet in being asked to keep a journal. Every evening she could be found writing in her journal. She was obedient always.

Colleen survived three major trials, the loss of her third son to a house fire, the loss of her best friend and sweetheart to a serious infection and the loss of her fourth son to Pneumonia. As those of us left behind we can only imagine the reunion that the four of them are having.

Colleen is survived by two sons and her daughter, Mike (Pat) Mapleton, Steve (Linda) Santaquin, Sherri (Paul) Whiting, Payson. Sister, Iona Green and brother, Kenneth (Nedra) Nielsen. 19 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren. Numerous great grandchildren and great step grandchildren.

She is preceded by the love of her life, Norman, her two sons, Paul and Douglas. She is preceded by five brothers and two sisters.

We will celebrate and honor her life on Thursday August 12. There will be a viewing on August 11, 2021 at Wheeler Mortuary in Mapleton, 82 W 400 N. from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The funeral will be held on Thursday at the Legacy Chapel, 1050 N 300 W Mapleton at 11:00 am. Family will start to gather at 10:00 a.m. in the Relief Society Room.  Burial will follow immediately after in the Evergreen Cemetery at 1997 S 400 E Springville, Utah.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the services at the following link: http://colleenspencer.family

Mom we will miss you each day and look forward to the day when we can all rejoice in reunion with you.