Myrtle Thorson Lassen
1922 - 2013

Myrtle Thorson Lassen, 90, our wonderful Mother and a friend to all, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

She was born in Provo, Utah, September 2, 1922, to Joseph Thorson and Sarah May Curtis Thorson, the fifth of twelve children. She graduated from Provo High School and attended Brigham Young University prior to serving in the Marine Corps during World War II. She was indeed one of the greatest members of the greatest generation and came out of the great depression of the 1930s with a song in her heart and an enduring love for all whom she came to know. She worked throughout her childhood to help provide for the needs of her siblings, remembering fondly a Christmas where she was able to spend her babysitting money on enough milk and day-old bread to provide the family's Christmas dinner; her Father's tearful thanks in front of her brothers and sisters resonated in her heart and set her on the course of her charitable life. Hers alone was the lap, even when only one of hundreds in a roomful of seated people, that a lost or crying child would seek out, finding lullabies of soothing solace. Adults as well "especially those most in need" found themselves drawn to her embrace.

Myrtle married Carl Eric Lassen in Plainfield, New Jersey, on August 17, 1946, and their marriage was blessed with five children. They later divorced. She worked numerous jobs, often more than one at a time, in order to support her family as a single mother. She attended school at the same time, earning a degree, which allowed her to work for U.S. Steel, from which she retired.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hers was a Christ-centered life. She was a tremendous mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, and friend, always placing the needs of those around her above her own. Her sole hobby was the welfare of others, her only joy their happiness. Indeed, she loved her God and truly loved her neighbor as herself. She loved to laugh, watch movies ("that darn Ashley Wilkes!"), travel, shop with her daughters, and attend family gatherings. Wherever she was, that place was "the best place I've ever been!"; whatever she ate, that food was "the best thing I've ever eaten!"

Myrtle is survived by her five children: Gregory (Kathy) Lassen, Gary (Bonnie) Lassen, Glen (Connie) Lassen, April Lassen, and Leslie Pidgeon. She has sixteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by sisters Myrna Brooksby, Nona Baker, and Gail Kochevar. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Patra, Joyce, Karna, and Iona, her brothers Joseph, Ralph, Grant, and Robert, and by daughter-in-law Bonny Lewis Lassen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may visit prior to the services from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery.

— The Daily Herald Provo, Utah | 24 Jan 2013