Barbara Eccles Danielson died July 20, 1995 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, December 19, 1930 to Albert and Caroline Eccles. Attended the University of Utah, member of Chi Omega Sorority, and then at age 63 received a BA degree from Westminster College summa cum laude.Composer: Winner LDS play writing contest: won first prize in collaboration with Mary Ethel Gregory for her music in "Once Upon a Friday;" won first prize with her book, music, and lyrics for "Behold A Butterfly." Wrote several children's musical plays. These published works are performed throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries. Her piano composition "Pas de Deux from an American Ballet" won an award in the Utah State Fair competition.
Author: Wrote "Ribbons of Time," a book on Anasazi country in southern Utah, for which she conducted on-site research as a member of the Utah State Archaeology Association; "Like a Red, Red Rose," the biography of her parents Albert and Caroline Thomas Eccles; and "Secret Wife," a biography of her grandmother Margaret Geddes Eccles.
Jazz Pianist: Played regularly at the New Yorker, Snowbird, Little America, and Zacchio's where she was billed as "You name it, she can play it." A member of the Salt Lake Jazz Society, she was featured artist in a jazz piano concert.
Musical Director: Theatre 138, Lagoon Opera House, Pioneer Memorial Theatre Main Stage, Babcock, and Young People's Theatre. Participated in Utah Arts Council's "Artist in Schools" program in Ogden, Salt Lake, Granite, and Jordan districts where she produced and directed children's musical shows performed by children K through 6. Director and composor for Children's Music Box, children's musical theatre performed by children.
Instructor: Taught musical performing at Salt Lake High School; "Piano Class for Piano Dropouts," at the U. of U. Division of Continuing Education; and Human Relations and Business English at Salt Lake Community College Skills Center. Chairman of Jordan District PTA Cultural Arts program: promoted Utah Symphony school concerts, U. of U. Young People's Theatre, and introduced students to the great visual arts by implementing "Meet the Masters" contests in elementary schools.
Seamstress: Awarded first prize in Utah State Fair competition in little girls' category for school clothes and party dresses.
Loved the mountains and spent weekends year-round camping alone at her 120-acre mountain retreat. Married Reid G. White, who died in 1965. Married and divorced, Paul A. Danielson.
Survived by daughters, Cari Regehr (Coby), Melinda White (Sherry Burton) and Melanie Williamson (Andrew), all of Salt Lake City; sister, Mary Ethel Gregory of Salt Lake City; brother, Albert Eccles, Jr. of Newport Beach, California.
She was a grand lady: mentor, inspired artist, friend and teacher. She fulfilled her passion to live a rich, creative life.
Special thanks to Bonnie McIntyre, Julie Lugo, Dr. Wilhelm and Donna, friends at Interwest Medical and Jolly's Pharmacy.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 1995 at 12 noon in the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 South Highland Drive. Friends and family may call Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday one hour prior to services. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
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