JEANNIE CHATELAIN

Jeannie Woodbury Chatelain 1950 ~ 2011 Jeannie Woodbury Chatelain, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend, passed away peacefully Sunday morning August 7th, at CareSource Hospice with her family around her.Jeannie was born July 14th 1950 in Salt Lake City, 3rd child to Orin R. and Imogene Woodbury. The middle child, she had a true gift for being the peacemaker within her family, always making sure everyone felt loved and included. She carried that gift with her throughout her life--bringing unity and love wherever she went. She had special relationships with her parents and all of her siblings which only grew stronger through the years. She shared her father's inclination for math and analytical thought and was able to work for him at Woodbury Corporation during tax season each year. At age 16, Jeannie moved with her family to Hawaii when her father was called as the Mission President. She finished High School there (Punahou) and attended Church College of Hawaii for a year. Her parents had many responsibilities during this time, so Jeannie became a second mother to the younger siblings. When the family returned to the mainland, she graduated from the University of Utah with B.A. in French with a minor in Math. Jeannie's life-long passion for music began at home, singing trios with her two older sisters, and learning to sing harmony in the car on family vacations. She sang in choir at school, the Mormon Youth Chorus, Music Works, in her ward choir, and at home with her daughters. Her participation in the Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus also led her to meet her husband, Richard who played bassoon in the group. He courted her with the help of Brahms and Rachmaninoff (he needed all the help he could get). The two were married August 17th 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple, and enjoyed 41 years together (we're rounding up by a week). Jeannie raised four fantastic children, and while there are many pretenders to the title 'Best Mother Ever,' none could dethrone her (although we are a little biased). Whether she was making forgotten homework magically appear in lockers, or sacrificing countless nights of sleep ensuring papers, projects and assignments were completed, Jeannie showed a tireless dedication to her children's education and many successes. Every school lunch she packed came with the implied message "my mommy loves me and she wants me to have a good day." As best as her family can estimate, Jeannie attended a few thousand performances over the course of her life, even the bad ones, and logged hours and hours driving her children to the lessons and rehearsals preceding those performances. She rarely missed an opportunity to see her family members perform--even when it meant flying to Barcelona for a Mediterranean cruise--she made the necessary sacrifices. From Mormon Youth, to Skyline High School and Granite Youth concerts and tours, all the way to Grandchildren's dance and piano performances, she was the quintessential supportive audience member. Jeannie was a member of the LDS Church and found great joy in serving in many different capacities in her ward and stake. In the Primary, Young Women's and Relief Society organizations, her spirit, testimony, intellect and optimism allowed her to profoundly impact many, many lives. She never sought the lime-light, but was a compassionate leader when she was called to be. Her family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from so many of her ward members and neighbors whom she served over the years. The defining characteristic of our sweet mother was her love and devotion to everyone around her, including family, neighbors and friends. She never thought of herself first. She was always happy to help anyone with anything and lent her positive attitude to any project she was a part of. We will miss her optimism, her smile, her ready ear, and the ever present affection that surrounded her. She is survived by her parents, Orin R and Imogene Woodbury, her five siblings; Beryl Clayton, Nina (Russ) Booth, Randy (Jan) Woodbury, Lynette (Paul) Vernon Denver, CO, and Guy (Carie) Woodbury; her four children; Sina (Eric) Dalley, Theresa (Trevor) Sanford, John Paul Chatelain and Angela (William) Avila; and six grandchildren that loved their Nana. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 11 at Noon at the Canyon Rim First Ward meetinghouse, 3000 S Grace St. (3100 East). Viewings will be held on Wednesday, August 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S. Highland Drive, and on Thursday, August 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.