Maren Halverson

Maren Halversen 1955 ~ 2008 "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth...And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings..."Our dear sweet daughter, sister, and friend, Maren Halversen, was released from the bonds of her mortal existence into a life free from the difficulties she faced on earth. We can hear her laughter and see her dancing now. Maren was born April 12, 1955, in San Francisco, California. She was the firstborn of Thomas and Charmaine Halversen. She died December 6, 2008 of heart failure, at her home in Bountiful, Utah. Each life she touched was touched for good. Most of us come to life to be taught, but Maren came to earth to teach us. Down Syndrome never kept her from trying anything. In her 53 years, she learned (and loved) to dance and play both the guitar and piano. She was a wonderful artist. She even tried to water-ski! (We forgot to tell her to let go of the rope!) Maren was a "first" in many ways. We were told she was the first student in Utah with Down Syndrome to be integrated into the regular school system. She learned to be independent; many other parents with similar children watched Maren's accomplishments, envisioning their own childrens' capabilities. She suggested to her Mom the idea for a Handicapped Mutual, and with others they forged the beginnings of that wonderful program. She graduated with honors from Viewmont High School and Seminary. She was loved and accepted by her fellow classmates, and was voted Outstanding Special Ed. Student. She worked for many years at Deseret Industries and was Employee of the Year at Welfare Square. She had an incredible sense of self and was true and uncompromising in her values. Thirsty for knowledge, Maren read daily from her scriptures. She understood that she was "caught between two worlds," and it was a struggle for her. She was anxious for the day she would no longer be physically and mentally encumbered. Our heartfelt thanks to so many who loved and accepted Maren. Special love to the Barton Creek Ward and appreciation to so many neighbors, friends and teachers. Thanks to Dr. Larry Green, Dr. Grant Christian, and our IHC Hospice angels, Cathy and Marcos. Maren is survived by her mother; sisters, Carla (David) Eskelsen, Laurel (Rick) Draper, Heidi (Gary) Calder, brothers Tom (Veronica) Halversen, and Gary (Jennifer) Halversen. She was preceded in death by her father. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, at the Barton Creek Ward, 640 So. 750 E., Bountiful, at 12 noon. Viewings will be held Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Bros. Mortuary, 295 No. Main, Bountiful, and from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the church before the services. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com. If desired, donations can be made to the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation, 801-446-1994. We love you Maren and will miss you!