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Elaine Jack Obituary
1928 ~ 2025
Holladay, UT-Family, friends and flowers were some of Elaine Jack's favorite things. Each blossomed under her consistent sowing, nurturing and harvesting hands and heart. Unlike her recent unsteady gait, Elaine's curiosity, warmth, and intellect never faltered. Her multi-generational recall of people, places and relationships exemplified her connection with others and encouraged others to join in.
Elaine was born March 22, 1928, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, the third child of Sterling and Lovina (Anderson) Low, and died in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 10, 2025. She was nurtured in a home that valued good grammar, cleanliness, manners and education. Community and family activities in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains and the Cardston Temple laid a foundation for an optimistic lifetime of efficient hard work and service. She was enlivened by the outdoors and delighted in being surrounded by flowers in mountain meadows, her yard, and on her kitchen table. Their beauty was accompanied by music, frequently by her own hands at the piano.
Elaine left Cardston to attend the University of Utah. There she met and later married Joseph Erle Jack, Jr., a newly minted physician. They made their first homes in New York City, Boston and Alaska. The Salt Lake Valley has been their home since 1958.
She and Joe were a team, consistently displaying their devotion to each other and to immediate and extended family. Together with their four sons they actively golfed, skied, boated, backpacked and hiked. A passion for playing games was shared not only with them, but also with grandchildren.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was central in Elaine's life, beginning in her close-knit childhood community and extending to service in worldwide Church callings. She served for 11 years as a General Relief Society Board member and later as a counselor to Ardeth Kapp in the General Young Women's Presidency. Her service as General President of the Relief Society (1990-1997) coincided with broad societal changes for women in the Church as well as a wider international reach. In that calling she travelled the globe and enthusiastically related the circumstances and experiences of those she met. Her administration highlighted the diverse individual needs, talents, and interests of women while emphasizing the great power and strength that comes by uniting all in the cause of charity, service, devotion and love. Upon her release as General Relief Society President, she and her husband were called as President and Matron of the Cardston Temple.
One of Elaine's favorite expressions was, "Aren't we blessed," and all who have been touched by her truly have been blessed. Among her blessings were her siblings, Bruce (Ruth), Jean (Owen), and David (Jerry). She is survived by her sons David (Gayle), Bill (Madeline), Eric (Karen) and Gordon (Jill), 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday June 13 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday June 14 at the Holladay 18th Ward Chapel, 2625 East Milo Way, Holladay, and will be live streamed on YouTube, @holladay18thwardstreaming51. The family will receive visitors at the chapel from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. prior to the services.
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Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Jack
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Linda Burton
July 30, 2025
I was privileged to interview Sister Elaine Jack by assignment when I served on Sis. Julie Beck's RS board. I remember going to her home and being welcomed in as if I were a long lost friend. She sat me down at the kitchen table while she was fixing breakfast for her sweet husband. I can't remember what she said, but I will never forget the way I felt in that warm, cheerful and Spirit-filled home. How I wish I could have attended Sister Jack's funeral. Unfortunately, we were out of town visiting grandchildren. Please know of our deep love and tender gratitude for the life of this elect daughter of God!
Irma Shalimar
July 1, 2025
I remember meeting Sister Elaine Jack in Jakarta, Indonesia, circa 1992. We had Dean Belnap as our mission president, and Sister Belnap is a good friend of Sister Jack. I think both sisters have the same first name. Sister Jack was warm, friendly and a very intelligent person. Rest in peace Sister Jack, though I am sure you are busy over there too helping the Lord in His kingdom.
MaryAnna Billings
June 18, 2025
I was blessed to grow up in the 18th ward with the Jacks. I will always be so very grateful for all of the love and examples I received from both Joe and Elaine! They truly lived their religion! What a great reunion is going on in Heaven!
Julie Ray Weed
June 17, 2025
I have such a sweet memory of Elaine. It is a story I have shared many, many times throughout my life. When my husband snd I were first married we had the privilege of renting Elaines husbands childhood home on Gilmer Drive. It was a lovely old home and we loved all our wonderful neighbors, especially the Nixons. Elaine´s son Gordy and Jill were newlyweds and lived in the basement at the same time we were there. About 8 months after we moved in I became pregnant with our first child. I was really really sick the first 5 months and could hardly keep anything down. I was very down and discouraged especially because I didn´t live by any family. I will never forget getting a visit from Elaine one afternoon. She was like sunshine. She came in with a big beautiful smile and a brightly wrapped gift for me. It was a darling little yellow sweater. It cheered me up so much and reminded me that all that I was going through would be worth it in the end. I had been so sick and miserable that I had forgotten that there would be a baby. . I have never forgotten Sister Jacks kindness. She was a very special person and I feel so blessed to have known her.
Geoffrey Mangum
June 14, 2025
Bill: Sorry I did not pay my respects personally but I did not learn of your mom´s passing until her services were completed.
While I did not have the privilege of knowing her personally I was aware of her many accomplishments and outstanding reputation. You will recall we spoke of her and my grandmother, Alice Wilkinson, when we met for lunch at the Olympus 50th reunion. Your mother left an outstanding legacy in her children and was admired by so many. Best to you and your family.
Scott Henriksen
June 14, 2025
Elaine, Bishop Joe, Dave, Bill, Eric and Gordy were a gift to me and my family as I grew up in the Holladay 18th Ward. Elaine and my mother, Sylvia, had a special bond cemented by their love of music. Recall the Little People Players and their production of The Sound of Music. These were days to be remembered as together they nurtured hidden talents in the children of the ward. Elaine will be missed, but certain that she and my mother will have a wonderful reunion as friends and mentors.
Carla Macbeth Nelson
June 14, 2025
I met Sister Jack when her husband was the bishop of "the best Singles Ward in the Church" - or at least in Salt Lake City! Elaine brought all her love to the members of that ward and she helped us develop leadership skills to last a lifetime. When she was the General Relief Society president she rallied sisters around the world to "do something extraordinary " and we did/following her example. She truly is one of the great and noble women of the Lord and I´m so grateful to have known her.
Leslie Mansell
June 14, 2025
Sister Jack was an amazing woman. She was shining example to all those around her. Her grace and love was felt by all she touched.
May the Lord be with you during this time.
Love, Leslie Mansell
Mrs Allen Swan (Verla)
June 14, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Robin Goates
June 13, 2025
I´m so glad I knew your mother as a great forever friend of my mom, Thelma Milne. They modeled what true friendship was, and my mother told me every time they talked. Our family felt so close to her, and I will miss the wonderful example she was in my life. I have a granddaughter named Elaine, and she knows how much we loved your mom. Our thoughts are with you--
Alan Hebertson
June 13, 2025
Elaine answered our Christmas card this year with a sweet note inviting Dieter and me to come visit her. She said she was the closest thing to a mother I had left and she wanted to see us. I´m heartbroken that I never made time to get there! We´re in Germany visiting Dieter´s family at the moment, so we´ll miss her memorial, but I need to let Eric-truly a best friend through jr high and high school-know how much Elaine meant to me. My heart is with you and your brothers!
Alan Hebertson
Jill L
June 13, 2025
Sister Jack was with me for my first time in the Cardston Temple. Her love and appreciation for the temple was evident and made me feel so comfortable to be there. May her memory be a blessing.
Cathy Bradshaw
June 12, 2025
Eric and Karen,
So sorry for your deep loss. I was thinking about you just this week. My thoughts, love and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Cathy Bradshaw (formally Brundy) We were pregnant at the same time.
Debbie Wassmer
June 12, 2025
Elaine, I loved you with my entire heart and soul. You were such a good friend to me always. I will miss your birthday wishes and your posts on Facebook. Condolences to your family and dear friends. What a great lady you are. One of my most fun memories is when I was young and you made us a dessert where the sugar cube was on fire as you brought it out. I never have forgotten that. I was amazed. because it seemed magical. I will miss you and. your kindness. Love you forever. Debbie Wassmer
Bill Pedersen
June 12, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Elaine´s passing. Growing up in the neighborhood, she was a constant source of kindness, warmth, and genuine care. Her love and concern for me during my childhood left a lasting impression that I carry with me to this day. Elaine had a way of making others feel seen, valued, and safe - a rare and beautiful gift. I will always be grateful for the love she showed me and so many others. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. God be with til we meet again.
Sue Birkinshaw
June 12, 2025
I was a young 18 year old woman called to be the ward organist in a ward full of others who played much better than I. Sister Jack was one of those women. She teached out to me with her trait of kindness and love and encouraged me in a very profound way. I later moved to Texas and she eventually visited our stake. Her embrace and love towards me at that time will never be forgotten. I feel so blessed to have known her and her husband who was my bishop in the 18th ward. To have known and loved such an elect woman has been one of the tender mercies of the Lord to me.
Cheryl L P Staley
June 11, 2025
Sister Elaine Jack was the General Relief Society President when I was called in my thirties to a Relief Society President of the Carlsbad First ward. In California. Her call for service in the Sesquicentenial year was just so amazing to have service all over the earth and in our ward. I knew how educated Sister Jack was. She spurred me on to have counselors from other cultures. One was from the Philippians and several from the USA and one Spanish sister. They helped our ward immensely, small as we were. Elaine Jack has touched my heart forever. Your influence was world wide. Thank you Sister Jack. I pray her children and posterity will be comforted
Kay Bradshaw
June 11, 2025
I was a young Relief Society President when Elaine was called to be our General Relief Society President. I looked up to her so much and loved her from that moment on! Later on in life I had a chance to meet her through my Uncle, Grant Gunnell. I've had the privilege of continuing that relationship by helping Uncle Grant to keep in touch with her. What a dear, special, lovely lady in every way!! Sending my love and well wishes to you all in the coming days!
With love,
Kay Bradshaw
Laura Phillips
June 11, 2025
What an amazing, faithful woman and such grace and kindness to all she met. My parents Grant and Alice Gunnell couldn´t say enough about the Jacks. They loved them both so much in this life and how wonderful that friendship will continue. My mom must be so happy to visit with Elaine again! Our condolences to the family
Dale and Laura Phillips
Katheryn R Clayton
June 11, 2025
Sister Jack was my Laurel Advisor in the early 70's. She was wonderful! I truly loved her. Twenty years later I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was so afraid of dying. She took me by the shoulders and told me I wasn't going to die. My deepest condolences to her family. May the Lord's choicest blessings be with you at this time.
Scott and Linda Rich
June 11, 2025
Will always remember as a kind gentle lady!
Bruce Collett
June 11, 2025
Aunt Elaine who was "my other mother" during many of my growing up years, tag-teamed with my mother who is Elaine's sister, to make sure goals were achieved for me like learning how to water ski, graduating high school and not bring shame to the family, and to live a joyful life. I think I have siblings and cousins who also felt like Elaine was our "other mother". By the results of her work she not only lived long but lived exceedingly well. I will miss her for the rest of my life.
Cheryl Lewis
June 10, 2025
A great lady with talent, dedication and integrity. She exemplified the best of the best with her life. I spent hours on the lawn across from her beautiful Holladay home with my friend Linda Taylor .
Elaine Jack was pure class.
Andrea
June 10, 2025
I I am so sad to hear about Elaine`s passing. She was such a light to everyone especially me. I absolutely loved working with her in primary. The best co teacher I ever could have asked for. God be with you till we meet again. Love, Andrea pfister wenk
Cookie Hintze
June 10, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Elaine's passing, however I can imagine it was a wonderful reunion she had with Joe! I've loved Elaine (and Joe) for the more than 40 years I've known them. She will be sorely missed!
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