Darlene LaVonne Noren Obituary (1934 - 2020)

Darlene LaVonne Noren passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020 surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was born on March 28, 1934 in Murray, Utah where she was a life-long resident. She was a proud Utah Ute where she was Snow Queen and a member of the marching band playing the clarinet. She graduated with a degree in Education. She touched many lives while working 40 plus years for Jordan and Salt Lake City school districts as an administrator over many programs. Her proudest accomplishment was creating the Young Mothers program to help pregnant teens continue their education and receive a diploma. She cherished the relationship with her co-workers and their friendship continues to this day. LaVonne married Richard Scott Noren on January 30, 1956. LaVonne’s pride and joy was her family. She instilled the importance of education and appreciation of arts in her family. She loved to explore the outdoors in their RV. She was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed baking with her daughter and granddaughters. Many summer nights were spent hosting memorable pool parties. She was an accomplished watercolor artist and an avid reader. She could often be found reading, listening to, or watching a murder mystery. LaVonne would never turn down a shopping trip or a vacation with family or friends. She traveled as far as China, Thailand, Israel, Europe, and Russia but equally enjoyed traveling the back roads of Utah in their jeep. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she served in many capacities including Primary secretary, Relief Society instructor, Youth Sunday School teacher and Achievement Day leader. With her husband they served faithfully as church service missionaries in the Salt Lake Inner City Mission, Employment Specialist Service Mission, and IMC Hospital Mission. LaVonne leaves behind her daughter, Stephanie Pollei (Kevin); son, Christopher (Jennie); 6 grandchildren: Kaitlin Jones (Tim), McKenzie, Jacob, Emma, Jack, and Zoe; 2 great-grandchildren, Lily and Winston; and her beloved cat, Phinney. The family wishes to thank all those who have cared for LaVonne with phenomenal care during the last 4 ½ years of her life. To celebrate her life there will be a viewing on Monday, August 31st, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 4760 South State Street Murray. It will be followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South.