Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Grandma June



June Daniels England 1920 ~ 2009 June Daniels England, selfless to the end, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2009, just the way she would like it, surrounded by her family. June was born on June 1, 1920 to Rex and Daisy Daniels in Austin, Utah. Being the oldest of four children, she developed nurturing and domestic skills which she used throughout her life to bless her family. Family dinners were never complete without her famous "June Juice" (super strong Kool-Aid). She married Eugene K. England on December 30, 1940, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised their six sons. June was always a devoted and extremely proud mother. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family. Gene and June have 35 grandchildren and 37 great-grand children. Every single one was special to June as evidenced by the hundreds of pictures that adorned her home. Service was a common theme in her life. She cherished her 27 years of serving in the Oncology Department at Primary Children's Medical Center. Not only did she love the children, she enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the doctors, nurses and other volunteers at the hospital. In 2006, June was recognized as one of the "Health Care Heroes" in the State of Utah. June was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived a Christ-like life by loving and serving others. She used her leadership skills to serve faithfully as a Relief Society President under three different bishops. June not only loved to serve others, she loved to throw a party. She was the acknowledged "social director' by her many friends, organizing countless great events including the annual St. George trip. June had many talents. She loved music and especially enjoyed performing in choirs and with her dear friends in a singing group called "The 16th Notes". Her many hobbies included gardening, bowling and golfing. Her favorite pastime, however, was travelling across the country in a semi truck with her husband, Gene, at the wheel. Being a wonderfully devoted wife, if Gene was happy, then June was happy. She was an amazing example of love and support throughout their life together. June, as your loving family we thank you for your tremendous example. We will miss you terribly as the heart and soul of our family, but we have peace in knowing that we will be together again. She is survived by her husband, Eugene K. England, sons, Jeff (Pat), Dan (Jan), Dean (Kim), Todd (Jeannette), Corey (Carrie), daughter-in-law, Rowena England, siblings, Daisy Dean (Joseph) Hanks, Tina Lou Walton, Rex (Phyllis) Daniels. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Daisy Daniels, son, Rodney, grandson, Riley England and brother-in-law, Robert Walton.

Grandma June was so much more than even this beautiful obituary can express. She was an incredible and kind woman who I feel lucky to have known.
I will particularly remember the special sweetness that Hunter had with her. We took her to lunch a couple of months ago and Hunter sat by her the whole time, holding her hand and talking her ear off. Of course we went to Mimi's Cafe (that was our designated place to eat together) and of course she got french onion soup.
She was one of the few people in Nate's life who enjoyed telling stories about Nate's father, Rod. She was Rod's caretaker for the vast majority of his life and knew him in a very special and unique way. I always loved her "Rod stories".
Grandma June was so , so lovely... and loving.
She was selfless and giving... and she will be missed.