Sharon Lee Brown Nilsson

Sharon Lee Brown Nilsson passed peacefully into eternity on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing followed a brief battle with an extremely aggressive form of cancer, having been diagnosed only five days earlier. Sharon was a rare combination of both physical and spiritual beauty. Her appearance was always immaculate, with never a single red hair out of place. Her inner beauty shone even more brightly through her deep love for and devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she touched countless lives through years of teaching Sunday School and Relief Society, and through quiet acts of Christian service. Her most powerful lessons were taught, however, through her life of unwavering discipleship to The Savior. Sharing her remarkable musical talent in the Church brought Sharon great joy, especially in her opportunity to invite the Spirit of the Lord to be present for temple worshippers. Her reverent organ music in the chapels of the Los Angeles and Jordan River Temples helped create the peaceful, sacred atmosphere sought by those who attended. She served in this capacity for decades. She also served as Ward and Stake Organist for over 40 years in Bellflower and Cerritos, California, before moving to Utah. Sharon was born on April 11, 1947, in Artesia, California, to goodly parents, Myron Eugene and Evelyn Rosabelle Brown. She spent most of her life in Bellflower, California, where she lovingly raised her cherished children: Todd (deceased in 2012), Shawnah, Jeff, and Danny. There, she also developed a life-long love for the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the season, she was constantly checking her phone for the score and was thrilled with the result of the last two World Series which resulted in a championship for her beloved boys in blue. Professionally, Sharon worked for many years as an executive assistant before becoming a gifted esthetician in Long Beach, California. Even after moving to Utah, former clients continued to seek her out—a testament to both her skill and the genuine care she gave to everyone she served. Despite adversity throughout her life, Sharon chose to live with gratitude and joy. Her faith, family, love of music, patriotism, and treasured friendships brought her the greatest fulfillment and defined the way she lived. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, David Nilsson; her son, Todd Waltz; her parents; and her sister, Shelley Miller. She is survived by her children: Shawnah Lozano (Erwin) of Riverton, Utah; Jeff Benintendi (Stacy) of Gilbert, Arizona; and Danny Benintendi of Fort Worth, Texas; her brothers, Larry Brown, Ray (Jeanene) Brown, and Lorin (Joyce) Brown; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her daughter in-law, Francene Waltz Gonzales, all of whom will miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 8171 S. Jackson Street, Midvale, Utah 84047. Friends and family may gather to offer condolences beginning 2 hours prior to the service. Following the service, interment will take place at the Herriman, Utah city cemetery. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Intermountain Health Hospice for their compassionate care during Sharon’s final days. Zoom Link for remote participants: https://zoom.us/j/2291911235?pwd=Qq5dLqtXp5wblhalcHsy9Y1fCG0NBC.1&0mn=91319953592 Meeting ID: 229 191 1235 Passcode: 792779 Zoom meeting title: 11th ward funeral

Sharon Lee Brown Nilsson

April 11, 1947 - March 29, 2026