Marjorie Vriens Wright

1938 - 2025

Marjorie Vriens Wright

1938 - 2025

Salt Lake City, UT - Marjorie Joan Vriens Wright passed away on October 6, 2025, at home with her husband, Richard, at her side and surrounded by her loving family. She was born the third child of William C. Vriens and Johanna Mellegers Vriens on November 29, 1938. Marjorie met her eternal companion at East High School when she was 16 years old. She and Richard were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 31, 1961, and celebrated their 64th anniversary in August. As a young woman, she appeared twice in the Days of '47 Parade. Once as Miss Perfect Posture, and later as Queen of the Netherlands. Marjorie attended Daryl's College of Beauty School and worked as a hairdresser for 63 years. She renewed her license again in 2025. In addition to owning and operating a beauty shop in her home for over 40 years, she also offered her services to family, friends, and numerous missionaries with whom she served on three missions. She was known as a rescue beautician for her ability to correct hair mistakes. She and Richard are the parents of five children. Over the years, they cared for and supported 18 teenagers in their home. Their hospitality to teens and young adults spread, and often the Wright children would wake up to find young adults who needed a warm home, comfort, and support sleeping in the basement and sharing breakfast with the family. Marge and Richard did not turn people away. Together, they built a life of service and taught their children to look for those in need. Marge served faithfully in her church as a Young Women's leader and served as Stake Young Women's President, where she was known for her easy laugh and love of fun. She served as an advisor for Lambda Delta Sigma at the University of Utah. She cofounded the Utah PMS Society, serving women throughout the United States. She volunteered for the Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation, raising awareness and funds for research to support those who also suffered from the devastating disease. Marge was known for her ability to create magic out of nothing. She was a skilled seamstress, craftswoman, and decorator; her children's Halloween costumes were legendary.

Richard and Marge served four missions together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Salt Lake City Inner City Mission (1995-2004), New York, New York, North Mission (2005-2006), the Thai Laotian Salt Lake City Mission (2006-2008), and the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission (2008-2009). Most recently, they served as Welfare Specialists in their ward and stake. Marge and Richard were no respecters of persons and willingly offered their help to anyone seeking employment, housing, a listening ear, or direction to a fulfilling future. She is preceded in death by her parents, six grandchildren (Bradley Wright, William Wright, Paul Wright, Jacob Wright, KenndraAnn Follett, and two great-grandchildren, Thor Follett and Anchor Hillam), three brothers (Robert Vriens, Leon Vriens, and Doug Vriens), and a sister (Sharon Alfrey). Survived by her oldest brother, William (Bill) Vriens Jr., and her youngest sister, Kristina Montoya. She is survived by their five children: Brad Wright (Janene), Camile Nielson (Eric), Andrea Johnson (David), Melisa Nelson (David), and Sarah Follett (Russell); 39 grandchildren; and 50 great-grandchildren. Her posterity numbered 124 souls, with one on the way.

Funeral Services for Majorie Vriens Wright will be held on Monday, October 13th, at the Gundersen Chapel, 1925 East Gundersen Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124. A viewing will be held from 8:30 to 9:45 AM. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am in the chapel following a family prayer.

We want to thank all the angelic caregivers who assisted her in the last years of her life. They treated her with kindness and dignity-special thanks to Symbii Home Hospice for their compassionate care.