Mary Mayhew

Mary Nielson Mayhew, age 72, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, in Provo, Utah. Born on September 12, 1952, to Dorothy Clark and John (Jack) Nielson in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was proud to be the middle child (fourth of seven) and the only left-handed person in her family. She loved to say that because she was a lefty, she was one of the few people in their "right mind". Mary lived a life marked by devotion to her faith and love for her family. She endured living with Multiple Sclerosis for fifty years and remained courageous and poised throughout. We are so happy that she is now free from her broken body.

Mary graduated from Cyprus High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Brigham Young University. In 1974, She married Leon Zamora, and they had two children. In 1989, She married Mike Mayhew.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary's testimony was unwavering throughout her life. She found great joy in teaching primary children. She cherished opportunities to serve others and found deep fulfillment in doing genealogy and serving in the temple.

Those who knew Mary will remember her dry wit and sarcasm. She had a gift for delivering unexpected quips and telling stories that left listeners laughing. Her ability to surprise people with humor was one of her most endearing qualities. Mary enjoyed board games, card games and jigsaw puzzles. She excelled at sewing and crochet and crafted many keepsakes for friends and family. Her musical abilities led to many years of playing the piano and the organ in her church. She loved to read and enjoyed poetry.

Mary is survived by her husband, Mike Mayhew; daughter Lindsay (Ryan) Jones; son Emerson (Heather) Zamora; grandchildren Aly Jones, Jayde (Tyler) Hatch, Jackson Jones, Talmage Jones, Porter Jones, Claire Zamora, Ava Zamora, and Elise Zamora. She is also survived by her siblings Nancy Futrell, Amy Thompson, John Nielson, Carol Nielson, Gayle Hoffman, and Bonnie Bingham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy Nielson.

The family wants to give special appreciation and thanks to the caregivers at Provo Assisted Living and Orchard Park Assisted Living who provided an excellent quality of life as Mary's MS progressed. We also wish to thank the nurses and doctors at Utah Valley Hospital who gave exceptional care to Mary in her last days. Lastly, we want to thank her sister-in-law, Kim Guymon, who visited Mary frequently and brightened her life.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held on July 25, 2025, from 09:45 AM to 10:45 AM followed by funeral services from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the LDS Chapel 975 N. 60 E. in American Fork. Interment will be in the Highland Cemetery

To join in the services for Mary, please click the link below:

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