Marilyn Flavia Blanding Torgeson passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023, in Payson, Utah. She was born March 7, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. Marilyn was the daughter of William Parley Tuttle Blanding and Norma Elizabeth Herron. Marilyn grew up and spent most of her life in Glendale, California. She attended Glendale High School, Glendale Community College, and Brigham Young University. Marilyn came home from BYU to work and figure out what she wanted to do. This is when she met her husband of 66 years, Gilbert Loraine Torgeson. Gilbert and Marilyn were married on January 28, 1955, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Most of her life was spent raising their six children but prior to marriage Marilyn worked as a babysitter at age 12, later in her teen years as a cashier at Van De Kamps coffee shop. She also worked at Webbs department store wrapping packages, and finally as a medical assistant and office manager for Dr. William Slight.
Flower arranging and growing beautiful and exotic plants was one of her hobbies. For several years, she made flower arrangements, mostly from flowers in her yard, to place in the chapel each Sunday for church and later in the meeting house library. Marilyn also loved traveling, reading, and cooking. Most of all she loved having her family all around her.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Marilyn served in a number of callings. She served in the Primary, as a Relief Society President and for several years as a counselor, and as the meeting house librarian. Her favorite calling by far was that of librarian where she served for about 30 years.
Our dear mother is most known for her positive outlook and her ever-present smile. It was said of her that she never had a negative thing to say about anyone.
Marilyn is survived by her sister Myrna Hillquist and her six children: Kari Nielsen (Bryce), Julie Pezzillo (Mike), Eric Torgeson (Robin), Lorin Torgeson (Linda), Neil Torgeson (Paula), and Gerald Torgeson (Diana), 21 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 482 West 1400 South in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
3 Condolences for Marilyn Flavia Blanding Torgeson
Condolences(3)
Lesley Barlow Walker says
December 2, 2023 at 6:45 amJulie, Eric, Kari and all the Torgesons I loved your mom. She always made me feel welcome in your home. I have fond memories of all of you. You were raised by great parents! I’m so sorry for your mom’s passing. It doesn’t matter what age, it is always hard to lose your mom and dad. Hugs to your family.
Kati Walker Searcy says
December 5, 2023 at 11:35 pmI loved Sister Torgeson. She was so kind. Always busy in service to others. I have a fond memory today of playing her old pump organ. A special hug to Kari and Julie, my sweet friends of our youth.
Josiah Torgeson says
August 16, 2024 at 11:13 amI love you and grandpa torgeson very much I miss you dearly. I have so many find memories of Thanksgiving and easter and Christmas at the old house on 362 W Kenneth RD in Glendale. And best off all the walks we would take as a family. Skateboarding down the hill with my cousins back home for desert. Rice pudding !!! My sons Tyler and James will share your legacy as they grow up. You taught me how to cook grandma. I remember siting at the table with grandpa in the mornings before school reading the la times and watching ktla 5 news while you cooked eggs and jelly toast. I miss you. Until God calls me home one day. I know you and grandpa are doing gods works in heaven just as you did in the los angeles temple every week. I hope you can be Tyler and James guardian angels. My boys would be joyed as I honored as we are to share your loving beautiful legacy.love allways your grandson josiah james torgeson aka jrt