Carol Bown was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend who was admired by everyone who knew her for her kindness, her humor, her loving nature, and her example through word and deed of prioritizing her family. She passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023.

Carol was born on October 26, 1933, in Provo, Utah, to Paolo Oliverio and Mabel Burdick. She was the youngest of 11 children and adored by all of them. Her siblings said that she was so small, they used a dresser drawer for her cradle. She grew up in Orem, attending Spencer Elementary School and then Lincoln High School. She then attended the original Utah Tech and studied finance. Throughout her education and career, she made many lifelong friends and continued to serve those around her with kindness and humor.

Carol was a convert and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When she was 15, she met a handsome, quiet young man named Bruce Bown at a church activity. After many years of dating and Bruce's missionary and military service, they were married in 1964. Five children came quickly—two boys and three girls—and Carol found herself a very busy mother. She applied herself to this new task with characteristic attention and joy: baking, cooking, gardening, chauffeuring, and entertaining her growing family. Although she was an excellent teacher and tutor, none of her children were ever able to match Carol's excellent cursive penmanship.

Carol, Bruce, and their children lived in the beautiful home where Bruce had grown up. She was always proud of the impressive view from the hill, the spacious land for her children to explore, and the homey comfort they cultivated in their house. Carol's life as a mother was full of adventure, including frequent camping trips, countless instances of service to her own siblings and parents, and efforts as a social worker for the State of Utah to support the elderly.

Carol was a loving grandmother; her grandchildren count their experiences with her as some of their fondest memories. She was so excited when great-grandchildren were born and loved spending time with them. She emphasized the importance of family, faith, and service throughout her life. She was also ready with a funny quip or a story about her father's Italian heritage. When she wasn't entertaining the children in her family or out visiting friends, Carol was at home reading the newspaper, watching BYU and Utah Jazz games, playing card games (even in the final months of her life), and watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke, with her husband. She was married to Bruce for 53 years before his passing in 2017.

Carol was known as a pure example of Christlike love. She faithfully served in church callings and assignments and was sealed to her husband and family in the temple. Her family are very grateful for many years of knowing her and loving her. We also express gratitude for the skilled nurses and health professionals who helped make her last years so comfortable. They were angels, helping her feel peace and joy at the end of her life.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Bruce, her son James, her parents, her 10 siblings and their spouses, and two grandchildren. She is survived by her children: John (Pearl), Ben, Petrea Greer (Mark), Alisa, and Laura; as well as her 7 grandchildren and their spouses, her 5 (almost 6) great-grandchildren, 2 brothers-in-law, and 2 sisters-in-law.

Carol's funeral will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Hillcrest Sixth Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1035 S. 800 East, Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the chapel. Her interment will be held following the service at the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walkerSanderson.com.