Cathryn S Rose

Cathryn Swensen Rose passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she lived a life of service, faith, and love. She was rooted in her deep commitment and personal relationship with her Savior Jesus Christ.

Cathryn was born October 5, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Charlotte Wickham Swensen and Jack Swensen. She attended Highland High School, where she enjoyed writing for the yearbook and participating in pep club. She later received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the same. During her time there, she formed many lifelong friendships as a member of Chi Omega sorority.

Cathryn married her “sweetie pie," Jerry Rose, on May 5, 1976 and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on October 5, 1976. They spent 50 wonderful years together. Jerry was smitten from the very beginning by her sparkling blue eyes, witty sense of humor and pure heart. They worked side by side as owners of Hillside Floral for 45 years where Cathryn focused her talents on building the business and mentoring their many employees. Her classy attention to detail was evident in everything she did at “the shop.”

Cathryn had a deep love for her family and took great joy in spending time together. She was an extraordinary mother and quietly taught her daughters by example how to be a good cook, a good friend and a good conversationalist. She loved to discuss sports and current events with her sons-in-law during Sunday dinner. “Mimi” adored each of her nine grandchildren and knew their individual personalities. She had a gift for making each of them feel special.

Cathryn served faithfully in many capacities as a volunteer at her children’s schools and in various church callings. She was a source of light in her neighborhood, quietly lifting and supporting those around her in meaningful ways. She was known for her warmth and genuine care for others. Cathryn loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She was a graceful competitor on the tennis court, an avid reader and always had a good book to recommend. She was known for her love of sweet treats like miniature cupcakes and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. She treasured spending many Octobers on Balboa Island with Jerry, her children and grandchildren. She had a deep appreciation for the beautiful world around her and never took for granted a sunset or the mountain views from her home. She told her daughters every single day, “We are so lucky to live so close to each other!”

Despite years of declining health and memory loss, Cathryn resolved to be an example of positivity and optimism. She never lost her sense of humor and quick wit! Her strength, tenacity, and determination to see the bright side of life are an inspiration to her family.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Jerry; her three loving daughters, Kate (Jeff) Buxton, Marianne (Adam) Larson, and Lesley (Elliot) Scruggs; and her nine cherished grandchildren: Tia Buxton, Jacob Buxton, Mya Larson, Samuel Buxton, Maxwell Scruggs, Emi Larson, Owen Scruggs, Luke Larson, and Theodore Scruggs. Cathryn is also survived by her siblings, Christine Peterson, Julie Sorensen, and Jack (Laurie) Swensen. She is preceded in death by her angel mother and brothers-in-law Drew Peterson and Kent Sorensen.

Cathryn’s family would like to express appreciation to her compassionate and loving caregivers.

Mimi, we miss you dearly and will carry you with us in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Butler Hill Chapel, 2695 E. Fort Union Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84121.

The family will receive visitors at the Butler Hill Chapel on the day of the service one hour prior to the service. Following the funeral, interment will take place at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.

To view the service online please visit the link below: https://zoom.us/j/97286421306?pwd=M21SRjYrZ1ZVL0NuUk43UHJvVDFsZz09