Carolyn Mellen

Carolyn Mellen passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Her greatest treasure was her family, and she spent her final days in their loving embrace.

Born Edith Carolyn Mackay on October 20th, 1941 to Leslie and Leila Mackay, Carolyn, an avid quilter, pieced together a life story of love, service and family traditions that will endure like a treasured heirloom quilt. As we step back to admire the finished masterpiece, we are stunned by the intricate details and artistry of the life that she crafted.

She had a happy childhood growing up in the McKinley ward in Salt Lake City, eventually graduating from South High School and attending LDS Business College. She was set up with her sweetheart, Craig Mellen by her friend Penny and they later married and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Craig raised their five children in Cottonwood Heights. She retired from Questar after a 20+ year career as an executive secretary.

Carolyn dedicated her life to serving others. She loved her calling in the Relief Society activity committee and was known for always making time to help and having an extra spot at the dinner table. She rarely had an empty guest room and her happiest moments were when her home was full of food and family. She stayed busy with quilting and sewing, water aerobics, religion classes and lunches with friends but if asked, Carolyn never hesitated to drop whatever she was doing and selflessly help. She instinctively and simply put herself second without a second thought or complaint. Even as her health declined, she stayed optimistic and matter of fact, deflecting attention or worry.

Carolyn’s love was woven into every delicious dish and handcrafted detail of family gatherings. There were Dutch oven potatoes and cobbler on camping trips, soup bowls on Halloween and traditional Sunday dinners and Thanksgiving feasts. Christmas Eve featured an array of holiday treats. Every occasion featured a thoughtful twist. Her children and grandchildren will always have fond memories of birthday cards, candy and gift-passing games on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning puzzles. And if you know the Mellens, you know they don’t just go to the annual Days of ‘47 parade—they sleep overnight to earn their spot! Carolyn was so dedicated to her parade-viewing plot of sidewalk on 200 East, she spent countless sleepless nights so her grandkids could enjoy a front row seat (even in her 84th year).

Carolyn never turned down an opportunity to attend a grandchild’s performance, sporting event or graduation. She loved a night out with her adult children for a concert, movie, play or musical. She attended the World’s Fair in New York City in her youth and with her young family, she relished yearly trips to Jackson Hole and Lava Hot Springs. In recent years she has visited New Zealand, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Europe and more but her favorite might have been visiting Graceland in homage to her forever favorite, Elvis Presley. She loved a good Mexican restaurant and enjoyed her daily Diet Coke/Cherry Coke mix from Top Stop! Her family will carry on their annual summer Newport Beach trips and will look for her in every sunset.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Craig, children Jamilyn (Glen) Thompson, Rick (Cathy) Mellen, Andrea (Tom) Carlson, Andrew Mellen and Justin (Britney) Mellen along with 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Kent (Linda) Mackay and beloved nieces and nephews. She was called a “second mom” by many. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Leila.

Services will be held Saturday, December 13th at 12:00 pm at the LDS Orchard Park chapel (7035 S Nutree Drive) in Cottonwood Heights with a viewing beforehand from 10:30-11:45 am. She will be interred at Wasatch Lawn and Gardens, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek Utah. The family would like to thank Carolyn’s many friends for their love and friendship through the years.