Joy Mimi Thalman Chisholm

Joy Mimi Thalman Chisholm was born April 7, 1935 to Joseph Ralph and Sarah Mae Thalman. They named their only daughter well. She brought joy to them, to here three brothers and everyone in her early life. Joy’s father was an immigrant from Switzerland, and she worked to get her Swiss citizenship and passed it on to her descendants, which is a joy to all of us.

Joy loved music. She sang with the East High Choir, where she graduated. She sang soprano with several quartets and double quartets during her years at the University of Utah and afterwards. She was a member of the Tabernacle Choir from 1957-1964. A highlight for her was the 1958 Eastern America Tour, with performances at Carnegie Hall, The Ed Sullivan Show, and a Grammy Award for the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Maurice Abravenal highlighted her singing in several productions, and she was inspired by his conducting. She could have been an international singing talent but chose to make her family her priority. Her family is grateful for that choice. She was an excellent mother and role model.

The Grand Canyon was Joy’s delight and where she worked as a singing waitress for four years of summer breaks during college. She loved hiking the canyon rim to rim and making new friends there.

She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity.

She graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. She taught kindergarten and first grade for twenty years in Granite School District and fell in love with each of her students. Her great delight was helping children widen their horizons as they learned to read. She also served on the Foster Care Review Board for several years.

She was sealed to Donald Ralph Chisholm on February 21, 1961, and they gave life to six children, who all live in the Salt Lake valley. Her faith in Jesus Christ and service to her brothers and sisters on earth brought her and all around her more joy. She served as Primary President and multiple callings in Relief Society, and Boy Scouts.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Joseph (Bud) Thalman. She is survived by her spouse, Don, her brothers Dart and Dennis Thalman, her children Gay Lynn Bennion (James Roald), Kevin, Curtis, Brent, Heidi Groussman (Adam), and Steven (Sharae), 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, her treasures.

A viewing will be held from 6:00- 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25th at more information coming.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, March 26th, at more information coming.