In Loving Memory of

Juel Lesley Kitson Seow

November 15, 1941 - August 25, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to an extraordinary woman whose journey on this earth came to an end on August 25, 2023. Juel Lesley Kitson Seow, a woman of boundless love, indomitable strength, and unwavering faith, leaves behind a legacy that will forever illuminate the lives of those who had the privilege to know her.

Born in a coal mining town of Yallourn, Victoria, Australia, Juel's journey was marked by the resilience she inherited from her humble beginnings. Her father's work in the brickette factory and her mother's pursuit of a nursing career were the first strokes on the canvas of her remarkable life.The nurturing care of her grandparents, followed by the joyous addition of a sister, Pauline, set the stage for a life she was to make for herself.

Juel's life took her from the sun-kissed land of Australia to the snowy landscapes of Vancouver, Canada, before settling below the beautiful mountains of Utah. Her life was a tapestry of service; as a nurse, and a wife and mother who radiated love and strength in every role she embraced.

Her days as a nurse were her happiest, where her no nonsense but loving bedside manner endeared her to many. She showed compassion for all the teenage mothers who courageously let their babies be adopted while working with Mothers and Babies as a labor and delivery nurse. She loved the friendships forged during her career at Orem Community Hospital. A true spitfire, full of dry wit and spunk, Juel was usually no nonsense. She said what she meant, and her bluntness sometimes got her in trouble, but we loved her all the more for it. Her loyalty to her friends was unwavering, a trait as strong as the bond she shared with her family.

While working in Vancouver she met a young Asian man named Tony, who immediately became her companion. Her love story took her from Vancouver on a road trip of faith to Salt Lake City. There they met with Elder Thomas S. Monson who advised them they should be married despite some prejudices they were experiencing. Tony however, had missed an important step… He never formally asked her to marry him! Quick on his feet, Tony went to his knees in the celestial room and humbly proposed to Juel before heading into the sealing room where, to their surprise, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley sealed them for time and all eternity. If you asked Juel, she would delightfully tell you "it's been 56 miserable years" lol.

Juel's love for her children and grandchildren was unparalleled. Raising six children and several grandchildren demanded not only sacrifice, but also unwavering devotion, which she exemplified every day. Similar to her own upbringing, she raised her children to be independent. Her mantra "Be cheerful, I raised you all to be independent, you will be fine without me" spoke volumes of her selflessness and her desire to empower her children to conquer life's challenges.

Her zest for life found its expression in her love for travel, particularly the cruising adventures she cherished with her husband, Tony and friends later in life. Her soul found solace in the pages of books, the glow of British television productions, the thrill of watching the trivia game show Jeopardy, and listening to the soothing notes of classical music or rocking out to her favorite rock band Queen. She loved finding treasures with friends at yard sales for many years and thoroughly enjoyed her shopping outings. She loved history and would read or watch historical movies and shows then check them for accuracy. She was able to remember the detailed sagas of historically significant family lines, especially the British monarchy with amazing clarity.

Juel's devotion to her faith was unwavering. Her journey as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a profound testament to her commitment to the gospel's teachings. Her faith mirrored her life – one of service, compassion, and nurturing care. Even during the years struggling with her own health, she served others with sensitivity and love. She faithfully served in the church in various positions throughout her life and especially enjoyed serving in the Relief Society. As a senior couple, she accompanied Tony and faithfully served a mission in Hong Kong (2013). Following their mission to Hong Kong, she and Tony were called to serve at the MTC in Provo.

Juel's legacy included her ability to maintain connections with all the grandchildren living in different countries, states and time zones. She would include everyone and she remained the family's hub of information. Despite physical distances, she was always present in spirit and well-informed about the lives of her loved ones.

She loved living in Orem, but cherished spending as much time as she could in her home in Washington, Utah. Juel leaves behind: her devoted husband, Anthony Seow; her six children, Jared Seow, Leah (Brig) Lambert, Naomi Robinson, Joshua (Melissa) Seow, Miriam (Troy) Kallas, and Deborah (Trevor) Gillman. Grandchildren: Zachary, Joshua (Barbara), Jordan, Hunter, Daisy, Jada, Caleb (Danielle), Madalen, Gabriel, Seth, Benjamin (Stephanie), Mikayla, Olivia, Kyle (Jessie), Max, Rylee, Sami, Dani, Chandler (Kaila), Caden, Isabelle, Brielle, Gage, Sydney. Great Grandkids: Ayleen, Vii, Meili.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lesley Gwenneth Hannon Kitson and Peter Scott Kitson, and is survived by her beloved sister Pauline Kitson (Peter Marshall).

Juel's strength in the face of health challenges, her grace in navigating life's twists and turns, and her boundless love are the hallmarks of a life lived with purpose and passion. As we bid her farewell, we are reminded of her continual counsel to her family…"Keep the faith, be good and love each other". Juel's legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all those she touched. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire us to love one another, be kind and keep the faith.

We love and miss you, Mum!!

Family and friends are welcome to attend the Graveside Service and Celebration of Life.