Nel Ivancich Obituary

Nel Olson Ivancich
June 11, 1941 ~ April 2, 2014
Nel Olson Ivancich passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at home on April 2, 2014 from pancreatic cancer. Born June 11, 1941 in Salt Lake City, UT to Valeria Crabb and Oscar Olson, she graduated with a BFA and MFA from the University of Utah, where she later taught in the Art Department. She was an artist who used nature, life's mysteries, and the world around her as influences in her mostly abstract paintings and other mixed media. She lived in a remote high desert home in the Santa Rosa Mountains where she found artistic and philosophical inspirations on long walks with her dogs, Blue and Chance.
She is survived by her husband John; son Eric; daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters Sloane, Robert, Zoe and Sage Malecki; sister Elise Fullmer (Bryn); many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her beloved dog Chance. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Carolyn Bradford (Brick), Paul Olson, KC Deneris (Pete), and Bonnie Walker (Dean).
She was curious about life, asked questions, sought answers and was not afraid to choose her own path. She raised her children to do the same. She will be missed for her immense creativity, beautiful spirit, generous heart, quiet intelligence, and quick - if sometimes irreverent - sense of humor. We love you, Lightnin/Mom/Granny!
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity that reflects your shared interests with Nel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Apr. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Nel Ivancich

13 Entries

Bonnie Grider

April 7, 2022

Still think of you as I walk pass your house on El Rey Rd. I'm still here after all these years with my two daughters and their families not too far away.

Bart Walker

April 7, 2019

I miss you Aunt Nel. I will always remember your kind loving Spirit.

August 1, 2015

Just came across Nel"s namecard as I was sorting through a drawer. Decided to google it and that was when I found her obituary. Although I am late, I want to extend my condolence to the family. Although we have not kept in contact lately, I always think of the family as I walk past your old house on El Rey Rd. Many memories that go back so many years.
Sincerely, Bonnie Grider

May 22, 2014

My condolences to Uncle John, Eric, Sloane, Zoe, Sage, and other family members and Friends of such a Wonderful Woman

I would like o share some memories of Aunt Nel.

Aunt Nel, artsy, adventurous, accepting, compassionate, classy, hospitable, humorous, loving.

One of my first memories of Aunt Nel was a young Kid going to her House in San Pedro and her showing me the ocean for the first time through her kitchen window.
As I grew older, I remember Aunt Nel telling me about her adventures as a young Woman venturing off to California.
I was in awe of her stories and she truly inspired me to give it a go myself, so as a Young Man, I dropped everything, quit my job, etc. and went to the City of Angels.
Some inspiration, that Damn City ate me up and spit me out, so after a few months I was back in SLC with my tail between my legs. That goes to show you just how strong and determined a Woman Aunt Nel is.
She persevered, met her future Husband, had two wonderful Children, two amazing Granddaughters and oh ya…. gained a Motorcycle crazed Marlon Brando type Son in Law. : )

I will always remember Aunt Nel for her hospitability, from the first time at her home in San Pedro as a Youngster, to the loving Holiday Parties when the family lived in SLC and when I took my girlfriend of only a few months to her Home on the Mountain. She made Susan feel at home and like part of the Family. Along with my Mom Bonnie, Susan, my Nephew JJ and his Friend, we all agreed that Aunt Nel truly made us feel at home and we didn't want to leave. (I have to admit that driving down that long, steep, windy, road was part of the reason I didn't want to leave).

I was always so proud of Aunt Nel and her Art work. I felt so privileged and excited when she showed me her little art gallery cottage in Fairmont Park. At the time I worked right next to it at the Boys and Girls Club and would show it to my coworkers and the kids from Club and proudly say my Aunt works there!
I remember going to one of her Art Shows at Phillips Gallery a few years ago and was so proud and amazed by her work.

I love you Aunt Nel and for the record you are fooling no one. I know that the reason you didn't want to have a traditional funeral is that YOU knew that the part of the Family that giggled awkwardly along with you at funerals would start to chuckle at yours and YOU wanted to have the “last laugh”.
You will be dearly missed.

With Love, Bart Walker

Judalon Manes

May 5, 2014

We first met Nel through her art. It turned out that she had done a painting "Ant House" after being inspired by an article she read. Coincidentally, it was my husband who'd written that article. She allowed to make installments for a few months and it made the best birthday present ever! Her spirituality comes through in this beautiful work. I truly believe we will all meet each other again and her talents are eternal.

Elise Fullmer

May 3, 2014

Love you Sis and I know you are out there somewhere.

April 24, 2014

Sloan, we are so sad to hear of the passing of your mother Nel. She was such a beautiful lady. We have very fond memories of you and your lovely mother. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy Johnson and family

Lucy

April 20, 2014

Please accept my sincere condolences. May you find comfort with family and those closed to you. Draw close to God for he is there to support you through this difficult time

Anne Attinger

April 14, 2014

Rest in Peace and be with us forever, Nel! I am SO lucky to have shared the last 10 years with you. You inspire me-from the arts, to being a mother, and to being a child of the earth. Your vision, sincere intrigue, and warm heart will be with me always.

April 13, 2014

Our family is so sad to hear this news. My brother, Rob and I were friends with Sloane, and Mrs. Ivancich was always so nice to us when we were young high school kids. My mom, Gerrie considered her a dear friend for the years we were in high school. I've thought of her fondly often. I'm sure she will be missed. The Eccles family sends our thoughts of peace and love to all of you.

Diana Carter

April 13, 2014

Rest in Peace dear Nel....I will always be grateful I was blessed to know you. Thank you for allowing me to share my greatest passion with with you....my grand daughter. Your experience as a grand parent and the beautiful stories we shared about our grand children and their growth and beauty will always be a cherished memory.

Andrea Musa

April 13, 2014

My beloved friend Nel,

It is curious how fate brought us together. I immediately bonded with you and that bond will endure forever. I feel extremely fortunate to have met you and I'm enriched by having you touch my life.
I will miss you so much, your kind and caring soul, your soulful feelings about Nature and the planet. You will always stay in my heart.

Till we meet again,

Andrea Musa

April 13, 2014

I will miss her as a I would a family member. She lived life in a way that few do live...a full heart of love which she shared graciously with humor and care. I miss her beautiful being and am grateful that I shared a space in her journey. Nel is a gem and so is her family. rest in peace Nel...You are much loved and missed.
Carolyn Coalson

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