Sharon E. Neumann

Our sweet mother, Sharon Elaine Gygi Nielsen Neumann, died peacefully on March 23, 2026. Born on June 12, 1945 to Wilford D. and Dora M. Gygi, Sharon was the youngest of three children. She grew up in the Beacon Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake City. At the age of eight, Sharon was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She remained devoted and faithful throughout her life.

In her formative years, Sharon studied piano, was a ‘Miss Polaroid’, and was known for her social and outgoing nature. She graduated from Highland High School and attended the University of Utah studying Early Childhood Development and Family Relations. She was a vivacious member of Lamda Delta Sigma sorority, which led to her introduction to Ralph R. Nielsen. In 1966, they married in the Salt Lake Temple and would eventually be blessed with eight children. As an LDS Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, Ralph, Sharon, and their growing brood lived in Illinois, Japan, Texas, the Philippines, Arizona, Mississippi, and Utah. Sadly, they divorced in 1999. Sharon later married Ralph H. Neumann in June 2000 at the Jordan River Temple. They were happily married and resided in South Jordan, UT, until his death in 2012.

Sharon loved homemaking and children. In social situations, she was always friendly and delightful, with a beautiful smile. Throughout her life, she strove to fill her home with beauty. Her children recall her attention to fashion, the (incomplete) craft projects, collecting miniatures, skills with laundry, that one year with delicious bottled peaches, elaborate Christmases, and working at Sharon’s business (The Lollipopery). She later focused on her collection of ‘grandma’s toys’ & children’s books and loved being known as “Grandma Sharon” to her grandchildren and the neighborhood. Till the end, Sharon was a sweet gentle lady.

Preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings, and a daughter Marianne (Brad) Blanchard. Survived by children: Noralee (Cris), Christine, Karen, Brad (Jill), David (Taryn), Jennifer, Wendy (Shad), and Trent (Daiane), as well as 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Her children wish to express their gratitude to the staff at Cedarwood Assisted Living and Suncrest Hospice for their loving care and respect for our mother.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery chapel (3115 Bengal Blvd, SLC UT 84121). VIEWING: 10:00 – 10:45am. FUNERAL: 11:00am – 12:00pm