Marva Nielsen

Marva Jean Parkinson Nielsen passed away surrounded by her family on July 28, 2021 of cancer.   Marva was born in Malad, Oneida, Idaho on June 19, 1942.  She was the youngest child of Oran Parkinson and Lavell Allen and grew up in Portage, Box Elder, Utah.  Her older siblings were Leon Parkinson, Rene Parkinson Tinglestad, and Barry Parkinson.

She adored her siblings and said that Barry was her best friend.  He would take her out to the outhouse in the night when she was little and it was “scary”.  On the farm, Marva worked hard.  She and a specific cow did not like each other, she joked about it chasing her.

Marva graduated from Bear River High School and attended Brigham Young University on a scholastic scholarship. Marva loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She was a member of a trio that sang in many schools, civic clubs, church meetings, weddings, as well as dances and activities at Brigham Young University.  Marva later moved to Salt Lake City and began working as the private secretary to the Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, and former Utah Governor J. Bracken Lee.  Later she worked for Utah Power in the Human Resource Department and then in Training.

She married Roger Kinnersley in 1967 (later divorced).  They had three children Jason, Christopher, and Heidi. On November 9, 1991, she married the love of her life, Eric Nielsen, in Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Idaho. Together they shared many wonderful adventures and weathered many health challenges with a deep love and commitment to each other.

Marva was a woman of many talents and interests, including quilting, reading, golfing, singing, playing the piano, sailing, and skiing. She was a member of the BPW, Utah Chapter, at one time serving as President.  She spent many hours supporting and promoting leadership opportunities for women in business. Marva was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She was always happiest when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Eric Nielsen, four children: Jason (Angela) Kinnersley, Christopher (Jami) Kinnersley, Heidi (Jeremy) Bright, Annaka Nielsen and beloved grandchildren: Bailey, Brenna, Logan, Shaylee, Kaylee, Avva, Alle, Courtney, Leo, and Andrew.

Preceded in death by her parents Oran and Lavell Parkinson, brothers Leon and Barry, and sister Renee.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 13, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 11:00 am in the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 8170 Short Hills Drive, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Luncheon to follow.

A private graveside service will be held at the Portage Cemetery at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to https:// www.arthritis.org/home