6/11/17 ~ 6/03/03

Donna Hatch Neilson, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on June 3, 2003 in Salt Lake City, surrounded by the family she loved and served throughout her life.

She was born June 11, 1917 in Scipio, Utah to Marvin Muir Hatch and Freda Henrietta Olsen. Upon graduation from Millard High, she attended Utah State University and often recalled with fondness the time she spent at the "AC". While living with her sister in Price, she met her future husband, Raymond Woodrow Neilson and returned to Scipio to be married on June 7, 1941 in the same room where she was born 23 years earlier. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

Donna's home and family were the essence and center of her life. Beautiful meals and unconditional love were served daily in her little home. She took great pride in the food she prepared, creating many memorable meals for her family and friends. Her life was a simple testament to the service of others and she was deeply loved by her family and friends.

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Donna was an exceptionally conscientious and reliable employee, acting as a supervisor in the Cafeteria program for the Salt Lake City School District. She also worked for many years in the bakery department at Dan's, smiling at everyone who walked into the store, concluding her employment at the age of 75.

She was a devoted member of the LDS church serving many years in callings within the Primary and Relief Society in the Mountain View 3rd Ward. She also attended the temple on a weekly basis until her health precluded her attendance.

She is survived by her children, Ann (Paul) Koelliker, R. Todd (Debbie) Neilson, Alan H. (Carol) Neilson, 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grand-children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Neilson, as well as a brother and a sister.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2003 at the Mountain View 3rd Ward, 1889 South 1700 East, Salt Lake City, at 1:00 p.m. Friends may call Friday evening at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah from 6-8 p.m., or Saturday at the Mountain View 3rd Ward, one hour prior to services. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

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