Mary Vance

Mary Jean Sorenson Veit Vance passed away on the 21st of March 2021, after a valiant fight with cancer.  Through the fight, she was lovingly attended by her sweetheart, Ron. Mary was born in Nevada on the 29th of October 1929. The youngest of three daughters born to Alice Irene Parkinson and Marcus Sorenson, she was raised in her early days on the family ranch. When she was five years old, tragedy struck, when her mother died. Mary lived with her maternal grandparents for a time, as well as her Aunt and Uncle. Ultimately, the girls were reunited in California and were cared for by their paternal grandmother. Mary remembered many good times during this part of her life. Her grandmother organized family game nights, and provided a foundation for the girls. Mary enjoyed some summers on the ranch with her father and stepmother, Mildred Sorenson. She and her two sisters, Enid and Elaine, were very close and shared many good times together. They were later joined by their younger brother Marcus, who was an important part of her life as well.

At the age of nineteen, she married David Veit in California. In the early years of their marriage, they moved to Salt Lake City. For a time, she worked as a legal secretary, and helped her husband through school.  However, their marriage ended in divorce. Mary was a marvelous gardener –growing beautiful orchids in her greenhouse, was an impeccable cook, and always made holidays fun with coordinating games and delicious food. She will be missed by her four children and their spouses: Elisa and Mike Borrego, Curtis and Nancy Veit, Christopher and Brenda Veit, and Wendalyn and Scott Festin.

In 1988, she married M. Ronald Vance. He brought three wonderful kids to the marriage that Mary became close to – She will be missed by Renae and Dave Hellon-Vance, Tina and Scott Lewis, and Greg and Tina Vance. Together Ron and Mary enjoyed camping together, often inviting family along. They were wonderful hosts sharing their love of the mountains with family members – often bringing wonderful rocks home! Their garden was a wonder and they were generous in sharing their delicious produce. Ron and Mary were ‘professional’ round dancers and square dancers. Mary performed with a clogging group for many years, which became the “Clogging Grandmothers.” Ron provided much of the audio coordination for the group that ultimately performed at the Olympics in 2002. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and gave service all the days of her life Mary had an extremely generous nature. She was able to find the good in every situation and every individual. Even during difficult times, Mary kept her sense of humor and quick wit. Her lemon bars and homemade pies were simply the hit of any family party. She and Ron remembered every child, grandchild and great grandchild for Christmas. They have ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, who will miss her as well. Ron and Mary were married for thirty three years. She was our angel on earth, and we will miss her until we see her again.

A private family service will be held at Cannon Mortuary. Interment at Crescent Cemetery in Sandy, Utah.