Barbara Ann Nielsen

Barbara Nielsen was always early, whether she was going to a gathering, appointment, or, as it turns out, her final farewell on March 17, 2025.  While her loved ones would have cherished the chance to say goodbye, it was fitting she left this world somewhat ahead of schedule, true to her pattern of punctuality.

A steadfast and reliable presence, Barbara had a lifelong habit of arriving at least 20 minutes early for everything, including social engagements, church services, the movies, and miscellaneous events supporting her children and grandchildren. Her mother once recalled that even as a child, Barbara completed schoolwork and other tasks well in advance.

She was the first child of Alden Bassett and Marian Aldous. Born November 20, 1937, she grew up in Salt Lake City and attended South High School, where she made many friends and participated in clubs for skating, skiing, swimming, and social dance.

Less than six months after graduation, Barbara married Verlan Nielsen on November 23, 1956. They eventually settled in East Millcreek, where they raised their three children, Kerry, Kim and Andy, and enjoyed a long, happy life together.

When Verlan was diagnosed with a progressive eye disease before modern treatments were available, Barbara scrupulously managed the household budget to protect the family’s financial security against the possibility that he might lose his vision and his job.

Later, her meticulous bookkeeping skills became indispensable to the family business, Verlan R. Nielsen Insurance, which she ran with Verlan for many years.

Barbara’s preparation and attention to detail often revealed her deep care and love for others. She shopped for and wrapped gifts months in advance, stuffing leaf bags full of prizes and presents for the annual family Christmas blowout. Her pantry and backroom were perpetually stocked with sweets, drinks and trinkets particular to the individual tastes and interests of people she loved. 

An immaculate housekeeper, she tended to those in her orbit with the same attentiveness she devoted to polishing the wood furniture and sweeping stray leaves from the porch. She scheduled lunch dates, mailed packages, delivered chocolates, penned handwritten notes, and called just to check in. Each offering came with the same implicit and explicit message: you deserve this. She was generous in her assessments of people, quick to point out positive traits and offer sincere compliments without flattery.

A woman of delightful contradictions, her favorite foods were French Fries and Brussel sprouts. She embraced furry pets while relentlessly pursuing a spotless house. She reveled in solitude but also cherished all-day “marathon shopping” trips with her sisters, playing “hand and foot” canasta with friends, and competing in a bowling league.

Possibly the only rebellious act of her life was sneaking off to church with friends as a teenager. Consequently, she was a devoted member of the East Millcreek 6th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving primarily in the Relief Society women’s organization during her 55 years there.

Though Barbara traveled across the world, she talked most fondly about the literary adventures she took from her living room. Of all the places she dined, nothing beat a cheeseburger — extra well done with mustard and pickles — fries and a Diet Coke.

She began and ended each day with a book. She loved a good detective story in any form and relished solving mysteries alongside Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jessica Fletcher. For more than a decade, Sundays at 8 p.m. were reserved for Murder She Wrote. Jeopardy! was the backdrop of countless evenings as she crocheted blankets, hats and scarves. Later, she was a stalwart at The Ridge Cottonwood’s nightly movie screenings.

Radiant yet demure, Barbara refracted goodness in a way that made the world around her sparkle. Though she will be dearly missed, St. Patrick’s Day will forever be a reminder of how lucky we were to have her as a sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Verlan R. Nielsen. She is survived by her siblings, Beverly Thygerson, Ron Bassett and Cathy (Scott) Wilson, along with children Kerry Nielsen, Kim (Kim) Southworth and Andy (Cindy) Nielsen. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. 

To remember and celebrate Barbara’s life, a graveside service for family and friends will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Drive, at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 28.

To watch services, please visit https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89557555926

Should there be any cellular service issues at the cemetery and the zoom link not work, we will record the service and post as soon as we can.