Nelda Marchant Donga

Nelda Donga Obituary

Nelda Marchant Donga 10/3/17 ~ 05/06/06 Nelda Christine Marchant Donga passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the end of a Mother's Day Brunch in the presence of her two daughters. Nelda was born on October 3, 1917 in Boneta, Utah to Arthur Maxwell Marchant and Emma Christine Jensen Marchant. She spent much of her childhood in Park City and Midvale. She married George (Geert) Donga in Seattle, Washington on October 26, 1944, settling in Midvale at the end of World War II along with her parents, brothers and sister and their families. Nelda retired as a long time executive secretary at the Jordan School District Office. George passed away on February 4, 1979. Nelda loved to read her whole life. She won the state of Utah spelling bee in 1933 and won a trip to the National Spelling Bee contest in Washington, D.C. She was a past camp president of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She was active in her sewing club for 50 years. Nelda loved volunteer work helping at the Midvale Museum and at the Church History Museum. Her many church callings included Relief Society president in her ward and a temple worker. One of the highlights of her life was being a full-time LDS missionary after retirement serving in the California-Fresno mission. She was thrilled to travel, making trips to Europe and Asia. Nelda loved being among her extended family. She was also very proud of the accomplishments of her grandchildren. Nelda was a kind, generous, positive person. She had a sunny disposition and was always ready to flash a smile. In her last years, when she was unable to talk, she was ready with a grin and welcoming kiss. Nelda is survived by her three children, John Donga (Ellin), Beverly Cassell (Ken), and Jean Johnson (Clark); 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Jay (Mignon), David (Beth), and John (Iris) Marchant; her sister, Lillis Marchant Yorgason (Delbert); and one grandchild, Christopher Johnson. A viewing will be Thursday, May 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 So. State, Midvale. Funeral services will be held at the Midvale 7th Ward, 8350 Jackson St., Midvale on Friday, May 12 at 11 a.m., with a viewing at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 So. in Sandy. The family would like to thank the Stratford at Draper special care center for the loving care Nelda received in her last months.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from May 10 to May 11, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Nelda Donga

8 Entries

The Ganz Family

May 20, 2006

Dear Donga Family

We just heard of dear Nelda's passing. We were neighbors of hers for many years. We loved Nelda and George. They were such great examples and friends to us. Nelda was the sweetest lady we knew. May God bless your family.

Kathy Wilhelmsen

May 17, 2006

My own mother, Kathryn Cracroft, is a resident at the Stratford in Draper, and so I have only known your mother for the past ten months. She was the very first person to greet us the day we moved mom in -- a sweet lady with a beautiful smile who approached us with kisses. Each time I visited my mom, I looked forward to a smile and a kiss on the hand or cheek from Nelda. Although she could not speak, she communicated clearly her tender and loving nature. I miss seeing her during my daily visits to the Stratford.

Sincerely,

Kathy Cracroft Wilhelmsen

Candice Bradshaw

May 11, 2006

Beverly, Jean, and John,

I am sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I am sure that the reunion in Heaven between your mother, my mother Helen Vincent Nielson, and Mom's sister Mildred Vincent Casper Brinkman was sweet and joyful, as only a reunion between three dear friends can be. I know they are, at this moment, planning a fun trip to a faraway heavenly spot.

I loved your mother. She was grace and kindness itself and a shining example that a woman can have a successful career, and still be an examplary mother and raise wonderful children to adulthood. She loved you all dearly, and was so proud of you. She was a role model and precious to my daughter J.J. during her rein as Miss Midvale. J.J. sends her love and prayers to you all.

Beverly, I miss the fun we shared at Elva's School of Dance. I don't know who loved dance class more - you and I, or our Mother's. Can you believe that Ramona actually played the piano while we danced? Do you remember the Dutch Girl Dance?

I am grateful that you were with your Mom on Saturday. I was with my Mom when she passed. It's a gift God sprinkles on you when He allows you to be part of their passage to Him.

Love you, Miss you, you are in my prayers. I live in Ocala, Florida now, close to JJ, her husband, and her beautiful baby girl, Claisyn. Come and visit soon.

Candice Nielson Bradshaw

Don and Charlyce Fowkes

May 11, 2006

Dear Donga Family

We have known your mother since 1965. She is one of the kindest sweetest people we have ever known. We cherish our memories of time spent with her. We are sorry for your loss. We are sure she is having a wonderful reunion with your father.

MarDella LaRocco Crump Berrett

May 10, 2006

John, Beverly and Jean. I was so sorry to hear of your mother's struggles these past few years. She is happy now to be with George.

Nelda was a wonderful person and I was privileged to work with her at the Jordan District Offices. Where have the years gone? I can't believe she was almost 90 years old. She was a great lady who loved her children and grandchildren.

Judy Allred

May 10, 2006

Dear Bev, you were such a sweet daughter and took such good care of her in her last years....I hope you are doing well and I will get in tuch with you Love Judy Allred

Sharlyn Davis

May 10, 2006

Nelda was always so nice to me. I remember Lynn Marchant and I would go to her house and she would always buy what ever we were selling. When I would see her at church she always smiled and at me and made me feel that she was truly glad to see me. I'm so grateful to have grown up near her.

Charlyn Sorensen

May 10, 2006

Nelda was a special lady and a dear and wonderful sister to Johnny and Iris. Our family always felt her geninue love and concern for everyone. We know how much you will all miss her but also know that she is having a great reunion with so many of her loved ones. Please accept my sincere sympathy over your loss. You can never really lose someone that has been an influence for good in your life because their example and kindness have made you who you are. That was Nelda to so many of us.

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