Note from Pat Graham

Dear Pat,
I am sad to learn that you are having a difficult time with your health -- as you said, cancer is NO fun. You are in my prayers.

Today I gave a music workshop and in preparation went through my file of "handouts". I realized how blessed I have been to learn teaching tips from you at the music workshops --the "rote" method certainly changed how I prepared.

May you be sustained through this difficulty.
With much love, Pat Graham

Note from Daryl Hoole

Dear Pat,
Just a note to say I'm thinking (and praying) about you. It saddens me deeply to hear that you're so ill. I so hope you're doing as well as possible and are being blessed with comfort and peace.

It was not my privilege to work with you on the Board, but I've been so please to get to know you at our various reunion events. I've come to admire your many talents, your strength and goodness of spirit, and your devotion to your family and the Lord. You have been an example of missionary service.

Please know of my love,
Daryl Hoole

Note from Karen Lofgreen

Dear Pat:
I saw this card and thought of you and our association during our service on the board and since our release!

When you taught us a song during board meetings, I always felt we were taught well!! When you presented a workshop or gave a spiritual thought, I learned and grew spiritually!

When you smile and laugh there is joy in the soul! Thank you for sharing so much with me. You have enriched my life!

May our Father in Heaven be ever so near - I pray.

Love, Karen Lofgreen

Memories from Anne Wirthlin

Dear Pat,
I recently received word of your struggle with cancer. I wanted to pick up the phone and call or go down and see you, but decided a card might be better. I had learned of your diagnosis after we returned from Nauvoo. At the time, you were going through chemo treatments, and we were all hopeful. Our lives surely are in the hands of a loving Heavenly Father. You have been in our thoughts and prayers, and we know He is watching over you.

I want to thank you, Pat, for so many happy memories I have of you. First of all, in leading Primary Children's Music. I remember how I struggled with music that had a 6/8 timing. I wondered how I could make it flow when my hands seemed to be going faster than they should for the music. I had to get all 6 beats in . And then I watched you lead in the most beautiful flowing way only making 2 beats to the measure. I learned how to do it.

I remember the many times we had fun with your bells. You have a wonderful way of making hard things seem simple.

I appreciated your enthusiasm for family history and genealogy. I always wanted to take your class. In your life we see the true meaning of the scripture: "be ye doers of the word and not hearers only." You are happiest when you are in the service of your God and your fellowmen and women. You must feel how our Heavenly Father loves you for the good that you inspire in others and the service you so freely give.

I love your smile! Your beautiful spirit. I admire the way you have made Tricia's life so meaningful, especially as she participated in your mission. Your good works will go on forever. I am grateful that your life has touched mine. May our Heavenly Father's love and blessing of peace be with you.

Love,
Anne

Note from Janice Piccolo

Dear Pat -
I'm so sorry to learn that you are battling that awful cancer stuff. Please know that you are in my prayers.

You know, it's interesting to contemplate all the wonderful ramifications and blessings of having served on the Primary General Board. We didn't serve at the same time, but there's a sisterhood nonetheless -- in part because of Primarians. When I think of you, I think of musical talent and also chats about travel in Europe. Blessings on you!
Love, Janice Piccolo

Note from Roger and Toni Davis

Kent, We will surely miss your dear wife. Our mission reunions will never be the same without her leading us in a few "folk songs" from our beloved Germany. Her service to the Lord in so many callings from Wife, Mother, Sister and Friend is a testament to her strong eternal spirit. May the Comforter be with you and your family during this brief separation.
Roger and Toni Davis

Remarks from Bishop McMullin

Testimony of Bishop Keith McMullin, shared at the funeral on February 14th, 2009
This has been a most fitting tribute to a wonderful woman, and I couldn’t help but think as I listened to the memories shared and the testimonies that have been given and the teachings that we have enjoyed, that Sister Pat was powerful in her life, her stature, and influence because she became what God wanted her to be, a handmaiden of the Lord. When she left that heavenly home to come here, it was with gifts and talents which He, under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, would cultivate, nurture and bring to full flower and fruitage. And, because she was a hand maid, she shared those liberally, generously for the blessing of us all. I give thanks to Heavenly Father that he has been so good to us. To send us one who could have such an influence in our lives.

Kent, I felt deeply stirred, as a father, grandfather shared with us the things that he knows to be true. Standing with his dear wife, now separated for a season, but not in faith, not in devotion, and not in testimony. God be thanked for those gracious gifts of a father who instills in us the understanding of eternal life.

We shall sing, before the close of this service, “Heilig, Heilig, Heilig, Heilig ist der Herr” -- Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord. Pat knew that. Kent knows that. Their posterity will come to understand that -- time to time, day in and day out. We all know that. Oh may that ever be on our memory. Brigham Young suggested that “Holiness to the Lord” would serve the saints well if it were emblazoned upon the frontlets of their eyes and even upon the harnesses of their carriages. That we might always keep in mind that Holy is the Lord. It was He that was born in Bethlehem of Judea. It was He who walked the dusty roads of Palestine—Jehovah, the great Son of God. It was He who submitted himself voluntarily that He might culminate the purposes of Heavenly Father for Heavenly Father’s children here upon the earth. I bear witness of Him and I bear witness of the great blessings that we enjoy as a consequence of his consummate perfect life. “I am the resurrection and the life,” He said. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. He that liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” On the morning of the first resurrection Pat will be there, and Kent will be there, and, because of the sacred covenants entered into so many years ago and observed so diligently since that time, their posterity have the blessing of being there.

In a little graveyard not far from where my wife and I live, there is a grave stone fondly engraven with the memories of a parent long since departed, in this case a father. The engraving on that head stone has touched me deeply, and I share it with you in conclusion. Those who have been left behind often go to that grave site and reflect upon the fond expressions of this father engraven upon his head stone. But of all of the reflections that are engraven there, some from his scouting years, some from his outdoor life, some from just the interesting experiences of a father, is this concluding statement, undoubtedly offered at the close of each day. “Good night, see you in the morning.” Now think about that. Because of Jesus the Christ, this is merely a good night and we shall see one another again in the morning. I bear witness that that is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Talk from Susan Warner

Talk given by Susan L. Warner, at the funeral on February 14^th, 2009

Patricia H. Nielsen

Loving, Consecrated, and Valiant

I feel humbly grateful on this special day to join with all of you as we celebrate the life of Patricia Haglund Nielsen and the completion of her earthly mission. I feel the Lord’s spirit here today and I pray that I can give voice to the love and gratitude we all feel for Pat and her influence for good in our lives.

I especially want her children and grandchildren to know of the great contributions your mother and grandmother made to Heavenly Father’s kingdom on this earth. We know that Pat’s life did not begin with her birth – nor does it end with her death. We know that she lived with Heavenly Father before she came here. She lived there and loved there with people she knew – so did you. Then Heavenly Father presented a wonderful plan all about earth and eternal salvation for man – and with all of Pat’s enthusiasm, I know she eagerly anticipated receiving a body and the many experiences, challenges, and joys she would have on the earth.

Elder Russell Nelson taught us that even before we came to earth we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long – awaited trip to earth. He said, “Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through – and not around – the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven.” If the Pat I know was just a blossom I can hardly wait to see her in full bloom.

When Pat came to the earth, Heavenly Father not only gave her a strong body – a temple if you will – he also endowed her with many abilities, gifts, and talents. Pat did not bury her talents – or keep them to herself – Oh no, she studied and worked and practiced and developed those gifts and talents and also her testimony so that she could share them with you, her family, and so that she would be prepared to teach and serve others.

Though your mother was omni-competent, she was humble and eager to learn from everyone. She worked very hard to improve her skills and she practiced so that she could teach other leaders, who then took what they learned from her throughout the world.

One of the board members whom Pat taught, is now serving in Puerto Rico. She writes, “Pat’s creative approach to teaching the gospel with music has blessed children around the world. I know, because I have utilized her ideas and methods with children and their leaders in Chile, in Mexico and even in the humble huts of the San Blas Islands. That is only a tiny sampling of the far-reaching ripples of her influence, because I am certain that many other board members have shared the principles and love for music that Pat shared so selflessly with us.

Many others who served on the Primary Board with your mother have echoed that same sentiment as they recounted the ways that she willingly taught them and shared her knowledge and skills. We have wanted you to know of the influence your mother had on all of us who served with her. We have put together a book with personal tributes from some of those whose hearts and lives she touched during her Primary service. As your children and grandchildren come along, this will help you share with them a glimpse of their remarkable grandmother and great-grandmother and her service to Primary children and their leaders throughout the world.

Along with your mother’s knowledge of music and the skills she developed to share that knowledge, she inspired and strengthened all of us with her strong and deep testimony. Her knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ infused everything she did. She listened to the still small voice and she felt the Savior’s love in all the world around her.

Pat knew that music was the best way to teach children the gospel and so she worked diligently to bring the Primary songs to children everywhere. She planned and prayed and worked and worked some more. Now the Children’s Songbook is published in 21 languages and 3 more are in process. Recordings have been made in 10 languages.

To help bring this about, Pat worked with many others, and in doing so she utilized yet another of her talents. As one board member said, in the groups in which she labored “she fostered unity and love.” She lifted, loved, and encouraged us by her memorable ways of expressing confidence in our ability to do whatever we had been called to do. Once when I was facing an overwhelming assignment, she was the first to be on my doorstep to remind me that “the Lord qualifies whom he calls,” and “His spirit whispers that I can.” Her personal life experiences had taught her these truths.

What brought all these and other talents to life was Pat’s gift of prayer. She was never hesitant to pray in faith. She asked for and received divine help. And because of this, the Lord was able to make her an instrument in His hands to accomplish His work in the many places where she served.

Once in a Relief Society lesson the question was asked, “How can we be Saviors on Mount Zion?”

Your dear mother, Kent’s beloved wife, and our sister and dear friend Pat, not only knew the answer to this question, she lived it. She went about doing good. She served not only those she encountered in this life, but those who have passed on. She sought out their names, learned of their lives, and gathered their earthly records, so that they could have the opportunity to receive the sacred ordinances of the temple that had been unavailable to them when they lived on the earth. And because she was a gifted teacher, Pat along with Kent was able to teach others how to search for their ancestors and in her loving way she inspired them to do so.

Last Saturday, when I learned of Pat’s passing from this life into the next, I immediately saw, in my mind’s eye, the happy welcome she must have received as she met in person the many, many people she had known on paper. How warmly they must have greeted her as they rushed to embrace her and thank her for helping them to obtain sacred temple ordinances and blessings!

Yes, Pat remembered the promises she had made to her fathers, her mothers, her sisters and her brothers. But she not only remembered – she did the work. She gathered their records and then made sure the saving ordinances of the gospel were performed on their behalf. And those who haven’t yet accepted those ordinances will meet a valiant servant who will find a way to teach them the gospel. Pat has always said, “The Lord can depend on me.”

As I visited Pat just a few days before her spirit departed her body, I saw a peaceful soul lying on the bed being attended to by you her loving family. I saw a sore on her ear, an ear that had listened to her husband and her children and heard the word of the Lord. She had responded to the calls she heard from the Lord and his servants.

I swabbed her dry lips that had sung the songs of Zion and had not spoken guile but rather had spoken words of hope and cheerfulness and optimism. One board member said, “I do not recall ever hearing a negative or pessimistic comment from her lips.”

I saw a quiet mouth that had been so active in singing to us, had often been filled with infectious laughter, and had formed many words that taught us and encouraged us.

I looked at her once strong hands that had lifted and served children and youth and led us in making music.

I saw the tired arms that were strong when they enveloped us with her love and warm bear hugs.

Pat had worn out her body in service to her eternal brothers and sisters. She had nobly finished her work on this earth. Her spirit was prepared to go on to a more important work.

Joseph Smith said, “The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work: hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits.”

He also said, “…Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison.”

I am certain that Pat will be called on to help the dead speak forth in anthems as they break forth into singing. We can rejoice that she has prepared herself for the even greater good that she has been called to do. She will continue to minister to her eternal family, as she did here. She will continue to learn and grow and teach, but without the pain and physical limitations that she has endured in recent months.

In closing may I share an experience I had sitting on one of the benches at the front of the chapel for the funeral of Elder Archibald. President Monson who was then a counselor in the First Presidency was speaking when he leaned over the pulpit and spoke directly to Sister Archibald and her daughter. He told them with memorable conviction in his voice, that their husband and father would be closer to them from the other side of the veil than he could have ever been to them here because now he had an eternal perspective about their present lives and challenges.

When we remember her warm hugs that said “I love you, and I know you can do it” we must also remember that Pat is not very far away and that she still loves us with an even greater understanding of who we are and the challenges we now face. I know that Pat will still be cheering us on from a more heavenly vantage point.

I know that our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, live and they love us. I know that Patricia Haglund Nielsen also lives and loves us. I know that we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ and that through the prophet Joseph Smith , the priesthood is restored and God has spoken to the earth. His power is here again and he speaks today to us through His living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

I am grateful to our Savior Jesus Christ for the price he willingly paid so that we might be able to prepare ourselves to live again in His presence in our Heavenly Home. I pray that we will be valiant servants as our dear Pat is and faithfully fulfill our own earthly mission as she did. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Memories from Kathy and Jeff

Talk given by Kathy Behling and Jeff Nielsen, at the funeral on February 14th, 2009
"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (Isaiah 54: 13)

This scripture from Isaiah hangs on the wall outside my parents' bedroom. As I read it again this week, I was impressed with how this prophecy about the conditions that would exist in Zion is a fitting tribute to the work that my mother did as a mother.

Kathy and I were asked to share some memories from mom's children. This has been a week awash in memories, as you might imagine. As we have reflected on these memories together through both writing and conversation, I have been struck with just how effectively my mother taught us of the Lord. She taught us not so much through her words (although she did that many times) as through her wonderful example of living a Christ-centered life. She was the epitome of a Christ-like woman, and we have been so blessed because of it.

My sister Rebecca summed it up this way. "I've been trying to think of an anecdote about Mom, but every thought I start with ends up not being about her. So that is my anecdote. It was never about her. I'm not just talking about always being willing to help someone out or provide service, I'm talking about helping others to find and fulfill their potential."

Mom taught us of the Lord by the way in which she lived. She taught us to love by the way in which she loved others. She taught us of the joy that comes from being focused on others. She taught us what was most important in life by spending her time on those things.

She taught us of the joy that comes through righteous living, that "he that doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" (D&C 59:23).

Please indulge us as we share a few of our memories about some of the ways our mother taught us, her children, of the Lord, and how great is the peace we feel because of this teaching.

Memories from the Children
Greg says, “My earliest memory of Mom is of sitting on her lap in her rocking chair in her room. I used to love being held, while I felt her soft arm against my cheek. She would rock, and sing "Baby's Boat," and I would know that I was loved. Mom has always been good at showing she loves her family.”

John says, “The other day I was thinking about Mom's kitchen stool—the treacherous folding one that's seen a few too many years of service. She didn't actually sit on it that much; there was usually far too much to do between cooking for all of the kids and the many friendly guests, and washing the subsequent pile of dishes.

Where the stool really played a central role was in Mom's canning. She would sit and prepare fruit to be bottled or juiced in huge batches. Peaches came from the local orchard's farm stand while apricots, cherries, grapes and crabapples came from our own vines and trees. The latter two went into the juicer and the stool would see service once again. It was just lower than the counter and stove and so made an ideal surface for the jar to catch the overflow from the juicer.

At the end of the day the counter would be covered with dozens of bottles that would be saved away and used throughout the year. Cherries, apricots and peaches we all enjoyed as a snack or side item or as the key ingredient to "Pat's Peachy Chicken." Grapes made wonderful tart juice that found its way into jelly or Sunday punch. And Mom's cinnamon crabapple jelly was widely acclaimed throughout the ward. She gave it away at Christmas as a small token of affection for the many wonderful people around us.

Mom truly loved to serve her family and everyone around her. We may not think often about the kitchen stool, but we can all remember the warmth and love that came from Mom's kitchen and her heart.”

Greg says, “As I remember Mom, it is impossible to think of her without thinking of music. I remember watching her teach new songs to my primary, never using "word charts," just teaching in her gentle, effective way, using "solfeg" hand signs and memory cues. During the more rousing primary songs, we could always count on her to remind us to sing, not shout.

Mom was always the ultimate organizer. Everything that was going on in our family was always written on "the calendar" in the kitchen. Things like trips were planned out in great detail. I remember getting ready to go on vacation to visit Grandma Mayo in California. Mom would get her box that fit over the hump between the front seats of the station wagon packed just right, with the sweet rolls in their spot, the squeeze cheese and crackers, the lunch sandwiches, the grapes, and all the other snacks in their spot, and the sharp knife in its tinfoil sheath stuck along the edge.”

Kathy says, “My mother was an incredible hostess. There were friends over for dinner at least twice a week, and mom loved preparing the food as much as she loved her guests. If someone new moved into the neighborhood, Mom would invite them for dinner, and then make sure she invited some other neighbors she thought they would like to meet. She adopted foreign students, and they came to our house for Thanksgiving and Christmas or whatever other holiday she thought they might like to participate in. She kept up with her friends from college days; one of her last visits was with a former college roommate who flew in from Arizona. Mom’s friends were just as loyal to her as she was to them.”

Sharon says, “Anywhere I went with Mom, we would run into someone she knew.
I picture Mom sitting in a chair with children sitting on the floor in a semi-circle around her. Mom is strumming an autoharp and very animatedly singing and teaching the song with her expressions.

Mom loved all things German, especially Christmas traditions. Every year we had an Advent wreath, lighting candles for each of the four Sundays of Advent and reading scriptures. When we were young, we sang in a German children’s choir for the annual Adventsingen. I knew “Stille Nacht” long before I ever learned “Silent Night” in English. Mom, Barbara Carter, and Jeri Roos taught us quite a few German carols over the years. I still remember most of them.

Mom came to all our music lessons and encouraged us all to go to each others’ recitals. There was always classical music playing in the house. And she seemed to know every song ever written. Just a couple weeks ago, I started singing I song I learned in choir that I had never heard before, and Mom started singing along. I said “how do you know that song?”

There were always fresh flowers on the table for Sunday dinner. Most of the time, they came from Mom’s garden. I have always loved the Mother’s Day song “I Often Go Walking” because all flowers do remind me of Mom.”

Tricia says, “There are six reasons why my mother is so special to me:
1. I was born on her birthday as a present from her Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ
2. I have a close relationship with her just like Jesus had with his mother.
3. She was a chosen daughter of God like Mary was.
4. She supports me through my trials and understands my feelings for Jesus Christ.
5. She helps me to express and share my talents with others.
6. I am her angel always.”

Sharon says, “I always think of Mom as elegant and refined. If I ever go to a concert in slacks, I hear her voice telling me I should have worn a dress. When I serve dinner in anything other than nice serving dishes, I think “Mom would never approve.” But she would never, ever tell anyone she didn’t approve. She accepted people for who they are and loved them unconditionally.”

Jeff says,
“How do you capture the wind on the water?
How do you count all the stars in the sky?
How can you measure the love of a mother,
Or how can you write down a baby's first cry?
— John Rutter, Candlelight Carol
There are so many things you cannot count in the life of a mother. Acts repeated over and over again—day in and day out for weeks and months and then years.
• How do you count all of the birthday cakes she made?
• Just how many cartons of Western Family ice cream did she buy?
• How many meals did she cook in that kitchen?
• How many tablecloths did she iron?
• How many relatives and friends sat on the couch? (How many friends could she possibly have?!)

• How many reams of recycled mimeograph paper did she bring home for us to draw on?
• How many music lessons did she drive us to?
• How many Christmases did she choreograph?
• How many Easter Eggs did she hard boil?
• How many Halloween costumes did she design?
• How many boxes of See's chocolates did she send us (which only seemed to increase as we got older)

• How many FHE lessons did she plan and deliver?
• How often did she gather us for family scripture study?
• How many mornings did she wake us up for prayer?
• How many family letters did she write?
• How many times did she bear her testimony?

There are so many things we cannot count. And somehow in the sum total of these repeated acts comes the peace and the assurance and the understanding that you, a child, are loved, and that things are right in the world.”

Kathy says, “My mother was the greatest coach I’ve ever met. She had a way of getting to the root of whatever the problem was and then helping me find the solution to it. When I was a young teenager, and feeling socially inadequate, she sat me down one afternoon and told me the secret to making friends. “Honey, just get people to talk about themselves. And when they do, be sure you’re interested and remember what they say.” I’ve never lacked for good friends since that pep talk.

My mother loved music. When she taught me how to harmonize almost any song at the piano, I thought it was the greatest thing. When I was asked, at the young age of 14, to lead a choir of young men and women in our ward, she helped me practice my cues and made me, and the choir, a success.

Whenever there was an opportunity, she made sure I had the confidence to take advantage of it, whether it was to participate in the Stake Speech Festival, or the musical that Diane Snow was directing that year. She quizzed me for important tests and helped me find the scriptures I needed for a church talk. Even though she didn’t like to sew, she helped me translate the directions for a pattern when I chose an intricate design that was too complicated for my skills. On more than one occasion she would start hemming one side of the dress; I started on the other, while my date for the dance waited upstairs, entertained by my brothers and sisters.

Instilling a sense of confidence in us and teaching all of us very real skills was one of the greatest gifts she gave us.

Mom was interested in her children. She acted like we were the most fascinating people she’d ever met. And if we needed anything, that was her first priority. Before computers, there was Mom at 3 am typing a paper for me and patiently re-typing an edited version or two after the initial draft. Before microwaves, there was Mom in the kitchen early in the morning, making dinner before she went to teach at BYU, so we could all sit down to eat at the regular time. At 1 am Mom was finishing up the laundry after Hawaii 5-0 and MASH. At 5 am, there was Mom driving kids to swim practice. It’s a wonder she only got a headache occasionally. When she went through chemo a number of years ago, she had to slow down to normal human levels and go to bed by 10:30. When the therapy was completed, she resumed her regular schedule. I often referred to her as the energizer bunny, because she never seemed to stop.

Hopefully these memories have given you a glimpse of what our mother means to us, and helped you appreciate just how effectively she taught us through her words, her love, and her example. Through all of the difficulties of the past weeks and months, one thing we continue to feel is an overriding sense of peace. Yes there is sadness, and longing, and wishing, and hoping for more time with her. Yes, there is a hole that will be difficult (if not impossible) to fill. But above all there is peace.

There is peace knowing that our mother lived a righteous life. That through her faith and good works she has qualified herself for a place at the right hand of God. There is peace in knowing that our parents have made eternal covenants in God's Holy temple, and that they have lived worthy of these covenants, which will bind and seal us together for eternity.

There is peace in knowing that she loved us unconditionally and that she was proud of us. There is peace in knowing that she loves us still, and that we love her.

There is peace in knowing about the gospel plan, in having testimonies of Jesus Christ and of his redemptive power. There is peace, great peace, because we were taught of the Lord.

A mother's love brings us this peace, and leads us to the peace offered by the Savior—the “peace which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children."

Mom loved her Father in Heaven. She studied her scriptures, and when she prayed, she prayed for all of us. She continually looked for ways to share the message of salvation and the truth of the Gospel with those she came in contact with.

She was a great example of service in the way she performed her various callings in the church. She was a dedicated visiting teacher, and listened carefully to find out who could use a meal, a phone call or a visit. Her gift to us was showing us how to serve the Lord, and thereby sharing her testimony with us.

She once told me that she was terrified when she brought her first baby home. She was so worried she wouldn’t know what to do. I think she did just fine.

"Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies. . . . Her children arise up, and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:10, 28)

Memories from Marilou Myers

What a joy it has been to associate with Pat Nielsen on the Primary General board. Pat’s reputation in the Provo area was one of goodness and excellence with music. I saw her occasionally standing in long lines at parent conferences since we had children attending Timpview High School at the same time. But it was while serving with her on the board that I got to know her heart and soul.

I was called to serve on the Primary General board in October. Pat and Ann Jamison offered to drive with me to my first board meeting in Salt Lake. They were anxious for me to learn the most efficient way of getting to the Relief Society Building. They hovered like mother hens directing my every turn as they shared with me all of the tricks of parking in the busy Church Office Building parking lot.

By December, I found myself on the committee with Pat to provide a program for the board Christmas party. We met and shared ideas then Pat wrote the script. It was beautiful! Pat’s emotions surfaced as she read the narration, telling again the miraculous story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The depth of her testimony was evident. We could feel it. Pat’s daughter Sharon played violin and my daughter Melissa played her harp. There were more beautiful words from Pat, then my husband Tom and our family sang. Pat had the whole group using her wonderful bells as we performed carols together. It was a sweet and deeply spiritual experience to be a part of that holiday program with Pat.

I was privileged to learn teaching techniques from her that effectively draw children in to the musical experience and help them feel rhythms and emotion from a piece. I observed her desire to polish and perfect her presentation at the General Conference open house workshops and I wanted to follow her example.

Years later long after we had all been released from the General Board, I was sobered when again on a trip to Salt Lake, in a car full of “board” sisters, Pat tenderly told us that the cancer had returned. Yes, she was taking treatment for it, but somehow, we all sensed that day, that our times together would be even more precious.

Pat and Kent were scheduled to speak to us at our annual Christmas party this year. Their topic: “The three most important lessons we have learned from life”. I would love to have heard their message. I know it would have touched my heart as did the first Christmas testimony I heard her share. How sorry I am that for the first time in ten years, the snow was so heavy that we had to cancel our annual Christmas party. Pat was quite ill that day, but she was still struggling to try to gather energy and come when I called to tell her the party was off.

I will miss Pat. We always shared a hug when we saw each other at Days neighborhood grocery store. She would enfold me in her generous embrace and cheer me with her sunny smile. There is a closeness that we feel with one another which never leaves with a release when we have labored long and hard to “get it right” in the service of our Father in Heaven. I know Heavenly Father blessed Pat abundantly with remarkable intellect, talent and testimony. He sent His loving and enlightening Spirit to bless our work because it was His work. It was a privilege to share that experience with her. Now it is Pat’s time to receive Our Father’s welcome greeting and be the one enfolded in His generous embrace. God bless you dear sister Pat.
With tender love,
Marilou Myers

Remarks from Kent Nielsen

Remarks given by Kent, at the funeral on February 14th, 2009

It’s a little difficult to speak after that song. It was one of Mom’s favorite songs and it reminded her of her mother and now we have a double remembrance. It’s good to be with you people on this happy occasion. Happy to celebrate the life of the greatest woman I ever knew.

Good to see Susan up there, leading with the appropriate hand like Pat would. She’s the next best thing I know to Pat to lead children singing. Pat taught with her for many years over at BYU. I think they taught the music department what to do about teaching teachers how to teach children. Vanya (Watkins), in the 35 years you three did a pretty good job over there.

It’s so good to have you here. It’s good to have all you friends. The kindness and the goodness you’ve shown to us and do show to us is tremendously appreciated.

I want to say a few words on this occasion to my family. The rest of you can listen. I think I can speak for Mom, too. We love you dearly. We’re so proud of you. The Lord gave me 41 years ago the greatest gift he could have ever given me. Actually, at a time when I was pretty far down, if any of you still remember those long years ago. They have been years of bliss and joy, what a gift! And the product of that gift is a marvelous family. She’s proud of you. I’m proud of you, children, grand-children, great grand-children. The one thing that can most honor her is to raise up a righteous posterity, generation after generation. And I have great confidence that you will do so. You’ve certainly got off to a good start, all of you.

I want you all to know what she knew and what I know. The Lord Jesus Christ, "the Lord God omnipotent, who was and is from all eternity to all eternity", as the angel told Benjamin -- He came down to the earth to be one of us, to go through mortality in every respect, every respect save that of committing sins. But then He at the end of His life took care of that one by taking on the sins of all of us. By coming to earth, by bearing those sins for us, by dying for us, and by rising gloriously from the dead, He brought about the gospel of Jesus Christ, that path which we can all follow. He took upon himself our lives upon the condition that we would accept Him, that we would give our lives to Him, and that empowers Him to fulfill the law of justice and the law of mercy. His promise to us is unbelievably boundless as He is the heir of all His Father has and is. So He has made it possible for us to be joint heirs with Him, with all that glory -- as families to live together forever as our Heavenly Father’s family lives together. He lives, He rose from the dead, He ascended into glory, He is there waiting for us, He is watching over us and He understands us. He loves us and knows our hearts and our thoughts and our problems and our weaknesses and our sins. He has compassion and power to be with us and bless us. I know this is true. I know that the same Lord Jesus Christ came with His Father in our dispensation, reopened the fullness of His gospel for the last and greatest time upon the earth, and began a work, the beginnings of which we are just beginning to see and appreciate and realize. The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored. The Holy Priesthood of God is among us. I’ve seen it, I’ve borne it, I’ve felt its power, and I know that it is true. I know it is a great blessing. I know we’ll all be resurrected, with glory and with our families together, and I look forward that time. Thanks for the chance to share my thoughts with you.