Christine Vlaardingerbroek

1954 - 2024

Christine Vlaardingerbroek

1954 - 2024

- Christine "Chris" Jane (Deans) Vlaardingerbroek, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away on July 21, 2024, at St. Marks Hospital due to complications from open heart surgery.

Chris was born on August 5, 1954, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Raymond Joseph and Lois Jane Nelson Deans. She grew up surrounded by the love of her family and community. Chris developed a passion for dance and community sports, often found cheering on her older brother Dan from the ballfield. She also cherished her love for fashion, hair, and makeup throughout her life.

She graduated from South High School in 1972 and furthered her education at LDS Business College, earning a degree as an administrative assistant. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Paul, whom she married on March 17, 1978, in Murray, Utah. They had two sons Ryan and Justin and together they built a life centered around family, devotion and shared adventures.

Chris and Paul shared a love for travel, embarking on memorable RV trips to destinations such as Rock Creek and Westport, where they enjoyed salmon fishing and attended woodcarving festivals. They also made frequent journeys to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, creating cherished memories together. Their travels extended to cruises and exploring Europe, including a memorable trip after picking up their son Justin from his mission in Romania.

An avid bowler since her early 20's, Chris was a member of numerous bowling leagues over the years, where she enjoyed friendly competition and made life-long friends. She was also proficient in knitting and garnered multiple awards for her exceptional skill, a testament to her creativity and dedication.

Chris dedicated many years to her career as an administrative assistant and later found joy working at Curves, where she served not only as a health coach but also as a friend to all who crossed her path, providing inspiration and encouragement to many women on their fitness journeys.

A passionate advocate for temple and family history work, Chris found great satisfaction in connecting with her extended family through these efforts. Her quiet strength and unwavering compassion endeared her to all who knew her. Chris's kindness and loving nature were exemplified in her dedication to her grandchildren, whom she adored, spending countless hours supporting their sporting events and dance performances.

She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she served in many church callings. Chris cherished her roles as a den leader in the Scouts and a primary teacher for many years, through which she positively impacted the lives of countless children. Chris's unwavering faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her deep understanding of the plan of salvation were foundational in her life. She found profound joy and comfort in her beliefs, which guided her actions and decisions. Her commitment to temple work was a testament to her faith, where she dedicated much of her time as an ordinance worker at both the Jordan River and Taylorsville temples. Chris approached her service with reverence and attention to detail, embodying her respect for sacred ordinances and her love for serving others.

Chris leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her impact was far-reaching. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community, but her spirit will live on in the memories and hearts of those she touched.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the many doctors, nurses and medical staff at St. Marks Hospital who so lovingly cared for Chris in her final days, as well as the many friends and relatives for the tremendous outpouring of love and support they have offered.

Chris is survived by her husband, Paul, their son Justin (Heather), and her cherished grandchildren Tanner, Sariah, Carter, Kaitlynn Vlaardingerbroek and Nicholas "Nick" Martinez as well as her sisters Sharon Stevens, Holli (Mike) West, Sister-in-law Mary Deans and many nieces, a nephew and extended family members.

Preceded in death by her parents, brothers Todd Deans and Daniel Deans, son Ryan Vlaardingerbroek, and niece Brittani Gifford.

All are welcome to attend a viewing in her honor on Thursday July 25th from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary 4760 South State Street Murray, Utah 84107.

Funeral services will be held on Friday July 26th at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Latter-day Saint chapel at 495 E. 5600 S. Murray, Utah 84107. Interment will follow at Murray City Cemetery 5490 S. Vine Street Murray, Utah 84107

All others wishing to participate in the funeral services are invited to participate via the online link provided directly from the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home website located under the obituary section.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8