1919-2012



Mary Alta Nielsen Wilcox, a long-time resident of Farmington, Utah, passed peacefully from this life on August 3, 2012, at the age of 92.

Alta was born to Andrew Clarence Nielsen and Dellena Taylor Nielsen on December 31, 1919 in Lewiston, Utah. She grew up in Lewiston, Utah and Burley, Idaho. She was the fifth of six children. She had fond memories of her childhood. Alta married Ralph E. Wilcox, August 3, 1946 in Heyburn, Idaho.

She was known at Farmington Elementary as “Gramma Alta,” serving there as a cook for about 23 years. She then volunteered for another 14 years with the students in the reading program. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She was proud to be a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and attended until 2011. Her passion for reading led to her membership of a literary club. She was one of the last few survivors of that club. Reading, embroidery, playing Michigan rummy with friends and family, dancing and music were her joy. She loved get-togethers with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She thought of and prayed for them daily.

Alta is survived by her daughter, Dellena and son-in-law, Mark Brezoff; seven grandchildren: Bryan (Lori) Brezoff, Andrew (Amanda) Brezoff, Timothy (Kara) Brezoff, Chelli (Jason) Bernhisel, Lindsey (Tyler) Leishman, Tina Wilcox and Angie (Coy) Call. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Ruth Baily and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: son, Kellly E. Wilcox, parents and four brothers.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 10, 2012 at 11 a.m. with a viewing from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Farmington Rock Chapel, 272 N. Main, Farmington. Interment: Farmington City Cemetery.

The family wants to extend a special thanks for all the tender loving care given at the Country Care Assisted Living in Farmington and Symbii Hospice.