Death affects us all, and it questions us in a profound way, especially when it touches us closely.
Carol passed as she had wished and prayed for, at home surrounded by family. With her passing we celebrate the wife, mom, grandmother, teacher and nurse she was to us. Her accomplishments were many and benefited her family and thousands of others.
She was an accomplished nurse and medical historian. She was a medical adviser to her family and its many extended branches. She had empathy for and a genuine need to help others. Even as adults she would ask her children "how are you?,... really how are you"? She needed the whole picture to ensure our lives were going as well as could be expected.
She grew up with 3 younger brothers which infected her with a wonderful sense of humor. She adored her father, loved her husband and raised five children successfully. She was a Mama Bear protecting her kids as they grew up. She'd take her excited kids frog and lizard hunting, force feed snakes with her son, and round up grandchildren for an afternoon of fun learning at the museum. We were always safe with her.
She married Maurice X. Pia in the Salt Lake Temple in 1950. He loved and gave devoted support to her and her many fields of endeavor; higher education, research of ancestor's histories and transcribing their journals, historical medical research and research of current medical treatments for her progeny's health problems.
She loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and was a true disciple. She served in her LDS Ward all her life, even as Relief Society President at 70 years old.
She was the Matriarch of a large and devoted family. She was our rock, each felt of her unconditional love, determination and strength.
On April 3 she left this world a better place than when she arrived.
Among her notable accomplishments
Maurice X. Pia- husband (yes, married 67 years is an accomplishment), Children-Anne Marie Nielson (Rand), Jennifer Smith (Kyle), Karl M Pia (Gina), Lisa Pia, ,Nancy Bergstrom (Alan), Grandchildren (3 generations) 48 so far, Church History Records Mission, English Second Language Mission, Family History Mission, Masters degree Nursing- BYU, Nurse for Granite School District and Hardvigson School for the Handicapped, Manager of the Utah SIDS Program, Docent pharmacist at Godbe-Pitts Drugstore This is the Place Heritage Park, The "Clinical Practice Award" of the Utah Nurses Assoc- 1985, The "Annual Recognition Award" of the Utah Perinatal Assoc- 1996, Author "Medicine in the Utah Territory" 1847-1896.
The viewing will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial on April 13 from 6-8 pm. The funeral will be at East Mill Creek 11 Ward (2702 E Evergreen Ave) on Saturday April 14 at 11am, with a viewing one hour beforehand. Internment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Cemetery.
In leiu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
