Jeanne Israelsen Harrison

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Nancy Jeanne Israelsen Harrison was born on January 7, 1948, in Logan, Utah, to Lyle E. and Marianna (Nancy) Israelsen and passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2024, in Lehi, Utah. Her life was filled with love: the deep love of her Savior, the incredible love of her family, the nurturing love of animals, and a dedicated love of flowers and nearly anything beautiful she could grow. 

Jeanne cherished her large family and often shared stories of her siblings' accomplishments and adventures, of whom she was immensely proud. She was a second mother to her younger siblings, helping with diaper changes, cleaning, and feeding from a young age. She had a special touch with babies throughout her life, always drawn to hold and coo at any baby she encountered, who adored her in return. 

She especially loved her little sister Laurie, spending countless hours playing in the fields, house, and garden with her best friend. She often described herself as a tomboy who enjoyed being with her dad and brothers on the farm, unbothered by dirt, mud, or grime. As the leader of a neighborhood club with her younger siblings and friends, she used insect and worm consumption as an initiation rite into the club. 

Jeanne had a passion for gardening, baking, and cooking. She adored flowers, especially roses and irises, as well as animals, particularly chickens, horses, cats, and dogs. She raised sheep for 4-H and was proud to be named after her mother, Nancy, whom she sought to emulate as both a mother and spouse. Jeanne worked at Buttercup Dairy in her younger years, cherishing the time spent there with family. 

A talented musician, Jeanne played both the piano and violin and served in various musical callings as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She also held numerous church leadership roles and was a gifted teacher. Jeanne was artistic, with beautiful handwriting and an ability to draw anything. In her later years, she took up painting and published her artwork in a book for her posterity as a Christmas gift in 2024. 

Jeanne graduated from Sky View High School in 1966, where she excelled in writing and was an award-winning cook. She was offered a scholarship to Utah State University by Betty Crocker, where she studied Education and Home Economics for a year before marrying. 

On July 26, 1968, Jeanne married the love of her life, Frank Keith Harrison, in the Logan Temple, and she sewed her own beautiful wedding dress. Together they had five children: David, Pamela, Paul (deceased), Heather, and James. Jeanne had a nurturing temperament, leading by example without lecturing. She also worked for 20 years at Grand Central and Fred Meyer, five years at Iomega, and a year at West Weber Elementary. 

At 52, Jeanne returned to school, completing three years on scholarship at Weber State University and graduating with a degree in Special Education with a 4.0 GPA. This accomplishment made her the 12th of the Israelsen children to earn a college degree. An avid reader, she passed on this love of reading to her children.

Growing up, Jeanne loved watching her brothers play football and enjoyed many sports herself. She was an enthusiastic golfer, spending hours on the golf course with her family. She also loved fishing with Keith and her children, often catching the largest fish, including a 158-pound tuna in Hawaii. Adventurous and spirited, Jeanne was up for anything daring. She bungee jumped, learned to scuba dive, played sports, and was a big fan of horror books and movies. 

Jeanne faithfully attended her children’s and grandchildren's sporting events as well as professional baseball games with her husband, Keith. She loved traveling with him for his annual softball tournaments in St. George. 

Jeanne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and spent her last decade in Lehi, where she made many wonderful friends. She attended boxing lessons for years and maintained a sharp sense of humor throughout her life. 

Jeanne will be deeply missed as a light in the lives of her family and friends, though we are comforted knowing where she is and who she is with. We love you, Mom! 

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers L. Douglas, Mark, and John Israelsen, and her son, Paul Nicholas Harrison. She is survived by her husband, F. Keith Harrison; children, David (Tawnya), Pamela Anderson, Heather Hardy (Steve), and James (Abri); siblings, L. Dwight Israelsen (Jill), Laurie Ballam (Michael), Ned Israelsen (Cynthia), Lila Geddes (Doyle), Eve Jones (Randy), Richard Israelsen, James Israelsen (Melinda), Bonnie Erickson (Steve); and twenty-five grandchildren: Brooks (Catalina), Logan (McKay), Naomi Owens (Cody), Hayden (Kirie), Savannah, Jessica, Cosette, Nancy, Derrick Anderson , Andrew Anderson (Abbey), Vanessa Anderson, Lyle Anderson, Avia Anderson, Josie Anderson, Chandler, Carly, Corbin, Cambry, Eryka Clark (Dan), Bridger Hardy (Alysse), Bodie Hardy (Lauren Heiner), Oakley Hardy, Boston, Sophia, and Emily, as well as eleven great grand-children. 

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Allen Mortuary, 420 E 1800 N, North Logan, and on the morning of the funeral from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church located at 1105 E. 2100 N. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1105 E. 2100 N., North Logan, with a live broadcast link provided below. Interment will follow at North Logan City Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.allenmortuaries.com.