Lorita Marie Drown

Lorita Marie (Lund) Drown, passed away on October 9, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was known for her extraordinary capacity for unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness; radiating a rare kind of warmth, gentle heart, generous spirit and profound understanding of others that made those in her presence feel deeply cared for. Lorita’s legacy of kindness and compassion lives on through her loved ones and all who knew her—a lasting impact that will never be erased.

Born Lorita Marie Hart in Portland, Oregon, on July 30, 1950, to Claude and Lucy (Logan) Hart, she grew up in a loving home as the supportive oldest of three children. Her youth was filled with faith, ballet, drama and a love for learning. Driven by a desire to help others, she earned a degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University and completed graduate work at the University of Utah. She beautifully translated her natural empathy into a lifelong career with Child Protective Services (CPS) in the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. For decades, Lorita dedicated herself to keeping children safe, families together, and advocating for those in need, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives. Challenges in her early adult years gave her a profound understanding of human struggles and a deep well of empathy and compassion for those navigating difficult times. Her legacy lives on through the generations of children she protected and families she helped mend through her extraordinary understanding, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to helping others.

Above all else, Lorita was fiercely devoted to her family. Her deepest devotion belonged to her two sons, Brad and Eric. Her love was unconditional, always offering a gentle heart and sanctuary of comfort. Through every season of life, she remained their unwavering rock, solid foundation, and ultimate safe place. Some of her favorite memories were of their joyful times visiting family in Oregon and spending time together at the beach. In 1997, she married Jack Eric Drown, and their love brought them to be sealed in the temple in 1999. Their almost 30-year marriage was rooted in unwavering commitment. Jack’s devotion to Lorita was a steady grounding force, a fierce and tender loyalty that sheltered her and ensured she never faced a storm alone. In return her heart belonged to him bound by a deep and enduring love. Some of their favorite adventures were camping trips and cherished getaways to Park City, their "taste of heaven." Lorita also embraced raising her granddaughter, Morgan Taylor, loving and protecting her as if she were her own daughter. Their bond grew through cherished moments spent walking, reading and playing board games, along with Morgan’s loving touch as she pampered Lorita by doing her hair and nails. Lorita’s profound influence helped shape Morgan into the person she is today as she passed down gifts of compassion, grace and love.

Following her retirement in 2012, Lorita found joy serving in the temple, reading, and taking scenic car rides with Jack and her favorite milkshake. A creative spirit, she loved sewing, crocheting, making jewelry, and cooking for her loved ones. Lorita’s gentle light remains—shining on in her family, every life she touched, and every heart that was blessed to know her.

Lorita is survived by her devoted husband, Jack Eric Drown; her son, Jeffrey Bradford Lund; her granddaughter, Morgan Taylor Lund; her brother, Lynn Randall Hart; her sister, Liana Kathryn (Hart) Pedersen; and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her step-children, Nathan and Jeremy Drown; three step-grandchildren; two step-great grandchildren; and a large extended family. She was joyfully reunited in death with her son, Eric Bryan Lund; her parents, Claude Randall and Lucy Stewart (Logan) Hart; and her stepson, Rob Drown.

A funeral service will be held to honor Lorita’s remarkable life, remembering a woman who left the world softer, safer, and infinitely more loved. The service will be on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Park 1st Ward at 5154 W 7000 S, West Jordan, Utah. The viewing will be held at 11:00am, prior to the service at 12:00pm. The service will be streamed live on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/99141343907?pwd=TK4YYOwn0r4maQab6stTExJJRbMBxt.1#success and a graveside service will follow at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery at 3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.