Mary Anne Sargeant

The Life Story of My Mother

A Journey of Strength, Love, and Dedication

Early Life

My mother's story begins in a small town where she was born to humble and loving parents. Her childhood was filled with simple joys, together with her three siblings, Dorothy, Jeanne and John, they enjoyed the wonders of growing up during those years following the depression. Those years of learning to have fun and adventures often outdoors without all the distractions that our children face today. Mom was blessed with an amazing talent to learn and retain that knowledge. She was thoughtful, helpful, somewhat quiet and reserved compared to her more outgoing older sisters. She was a great companion to her younger thrill seeker brother who often found great adventures beyond the security and safety of their own yard. Due to the times of economic trials, the family moved with the work opportunities afforded to my grandfather. Despite the modest means of her family, traditions instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness.

Education and Aspirations

From a young age, my mother exhibited a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. She excelled in her studies. Because of the family’s several moves during her school years, she learned to become a tough student who challenged herself to achieve academic excellence. The quiet, but brilliant type who seldom entered the spotlight, with a wealth of knowledge to serve her well in life. Mom’s special intellect didn’t lead her toward a dream of making some major Einstein difference in the world, she was looking for a family and all that motherhood could offer. If she had chosen to continue her academic journey into college instead of family life, I’m sure she would have graduated with the highest honors. As it was, becoming the valedictorian of her high school graduating class was where she ended formal schooling. Mom has always been an avid reader and her thirst for knowledge has been a fulfilling passion throughout her life. Mom has beautiful handwriting and has kept a handwritten journal chronicling the events, challenges, and feelings that have inspired her life. That effort alone will stand as a legacy to her posterity beyond any achievement of having attended some prestigious university with advanced degrees.

Career and Achievements

After completing her education, my mother embarked on a career that would leave a lasting impact on many lives. She chose a path toward family versus education, dedicating herself to teaching and nurturing the minds of her three children. This course of action has led to the next generation, which will soon number 65 great-grandchildren. As sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt have served to influence and bless countless loved ones. When you consider the impact of her posterity on the future, there are few achievements worth mentioning. Due to circumstances that required her to join the workforce, she became the provider for her young family as a single parent. It was fitting that mom worked for years at the academic giant, Stanford University. Her work with the Engineering Department and the research fields of the Stanford Electronic Laboratories (SEL) were a fascination for her youngsters. With opportunities to witness rocket launches, adventures for son Jeff at an Antarctica research station and many other perks that being connected with Stanford over many years provided. Through her unbelievable service and brilliant efforts, she not only provided, but her self-dedication to her family enabled the most magnificent childhood memories for her children growing up in the special surroundings of Menlo Park, CA. Later after the children grew up, mom left Stanford for a second career with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Once again, her efforts for many more years touched and influenced many lives. Her compassionate approach made her a beloved figure among students, missionaries and colleagues alike.

Pioneering Initiatives

Throughout her career, my mother was known for her dedication, attention to excellence and kind selfless service. Not a career woman by choice, but a role model for women in the workplace. She has been an unbelievable example of what a single mom with career experience can be. Before computers allowed us to save and share printed text so easily, mom’s skills with typing, spelling, grammar and basic knowledge have aided countless students, professors and professionals with their reports, dissertations and correspondence. All that finger dexterity has also helped her produce over 100 giant multi-colored knit Christmas stockings for her family that will live on in cherished memory, providing tremendous containers for seasonal excitement and joy.

Family Life

Amidst her professional achievements, my mother was also the spiritual heart and soul of our family. She balanced her job with her responsibilities at home, always ensuring that her loved ones felt cherished and supported. Her ability to manage both spheres with grace and efficiency was nothing short of remarkable. Her influence on the faith, spiritual strength and love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has a major effect on all around her, especially those she considers the priority of her life. She always wished she could do more to lift other’s burdens. A favorite song that she loves from the movie “Goodbye Mr. Chips” expresses her feelings: “At the end of my life I wish that I had been strong and brave and true. And that I had filled the world with love my whole life through.” There is certainly much in her life to reflect her success in living up to those lofty goals.

Lessons in Love and Resilience

My mother taught us invaluable lessons in love and resilience. Her unwavering support during tough times and her ability to find joy in the simplest of moments have left an indelible mark on our hearts. She loved a simple walk, especially on the beach to find shells. Doing crossword puzzles was another joy. Putting a jigsaw puzzle together with family and friends was also a favorite. She showed us that love is the most potent force, capable of overcoming any adversity. Her resilience in overcoming major health and injury issues, a road map of navigating difficult experiences, challenges and hardships. There were times when the tests of life, especially those personal struggles with eternal relationships, could have caused emotional devastation and deep wounds that might have weakened the heart’s ability to forgive, feel and share love. She certainly has endured her share of conflicts, disappointments and trust issues in marriage, but the lesson that shine the brightest to me and I hope helps all the family’s relationships will be her endless ability to move past the hurt and carry on.

Community/Church Involvement

Beyond her professional and familial responsibilities, my mother was an active member of her community, especially after her retirement. She volunteered her time and resources to various causes, always striving to make a positive difference. Her community work ranged from serving humanitarian needs to tour guide at the local museum. She took genuine interest in everyone and always had kind words and knowledge of those she associated with. Where to begin when it comes to Church service? Mom was a doer, not just a hearer of the word. Her charity and endless effort to help and support others makes me feel guilty of self-serving indifference. Mom was so focused on providing for others’ needs and wellbeing, that to some of us it was almost smothering. Can you be too nice and serving? She would make light of her organizational and leadership skills as well as her teaching abilities, but her diligence and faithful dependable example would bring shame to my own meager efforts. Her skills in genealogical indexing and family history research are a wonderful legacy. Mom loved to visit and serve in the Temple. This highest of religious expression will ever be a beacon of her commitment to eternal values. “Seek ye first the Kingdom and all else shall be added” was the purpose of her efforts. She would admit to falling short sometimes, but her ability to forgive the rest of us our shortcomings while encouraging and praying for us to find a better path was constant.

A Legacy of Compassion

My mother's overwhelming attention to help was driven by her deep sense of compassion. She believed in the power of constant effort and worked tirelessly to uplift those around her. Her legacy of kindness and generosity continues to inspire all who knew her.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Despite her busy schedule, my mother made time for her personal interests and hobbies. She had a love for reading and could often be found with a book in hand, especially her scriptures. She also had an interest in historical novels. Gardening and cooking were another passion of hers, and she took great pride in being a food pusher. I mean you couldn’t be around her and not eat or be offered something delicious. By the way she was a good creator of tasty meals. Mom loved the movies and could remember in detail almost everything she had ever seen on the screen. In recent years she developed a passion for Korean TV dramas that she often enjoyed with daughter Joy. Faithfully recording her journal record has been a personal interest that many of us hope to enjoy. Mom will ever be remembered for her tidying up and cleanliness. Unlike myself, that virtue hasn’t taken hold, and my projects and clutter remain a telltale sign of my presence. Mom loved music, the piano and appreciated the talents of so many of her friends and family. She may not be the sports fan that some of us are, but an interest in football, track and basketball has given added joy to our relationship.

Creative Pursuits

My mother also had a creative side. She enjoyed using her hands. Knitting, piano, typing, sewing, cooking and food preparation show off her talents. Her creative pursuits provided her with a sense of relaxation and fulfillment, and she encouraged us to explore our own artistic talents and has been a faithful supporter of her creative posterity prodigies. Thanks for all those creative genes!

The Later Years

In her later years, my mother continued to live a life full of purpose and joy. As she neared her remaining time on earth that purpose and joy seemed unclear to her, but to those closest, just feeding the hungry birds and winter foraging deer as she watched from the windows of her beloved mountain home was enough. She has remained active in her community and church. Spent cherished moments with her family. Her wisdom, humor, and spirit were a source of comfort and inspiration to all who crossed her path.

Enduring Influence

Even as she aged, my mother's influence never waned. She continued to mentor her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, offering guidance and support. Her life's journey was a testament to the enduring power of love, dedication, and unwavering faith.

Conclusion

The life story of my mother is one of extraordinary strength, love, and dedication. She touched countless lives through her work, her community involvement, service to the Church and her unwavering support for her family. Mom would be the first to pooh-pooh the accolades described in this tribute. I might have portrayed her to be a superhero or giant of a person, her shrinking form, at only 4’ 11” and barely 90 pounds you might not see what I do. Weep not for the soul of a giant who lived in her, something that I’m eternally grateful for. Her legacy is one of compassion and resilience, and her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.

A private family graveside service will be held the Mount Pleasant City Cemetery.

To Watch Graveside Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services.