Kathleen Eva Howard Kristensen

Kathleen Eva Howard Kristensen returned to her Heavenly home on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by her children.

Kathleen was born May 10, 1939, to Verdis Eliza Berrett and Erin Neils Howard. Raised in Holladay, Utah, as the youngest of four, she loved music from an early age. She attended Holladay Elementary, Olympus Jr., and Olympus High, where she excelled in shorthand and typing. Singing the school fight song until the very end of her days. During high school, she joined Sacra Dolce Chorus, an association she loved for many years. She attended BYU and continued her education at the University of Utah. She never stopped learning. She continued piano, voice, and organ lessons from great professionals throughout her life.

She sang with the Tabernacle Choir for over 20 years, traveling the world bearing her testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. A highlight was singing praises in the Holy Land. 

Our mom taught voice and piano in her home studio for well over 50 years, teaching hundreds of students. She gave fun, memorable recitals, mentored many, and was a member of several musical associations. Kathleen is the mother of four children: Stephanie (Jim) Fullmer, Amelia “Amy” (Kevin) Curtis, Suzanne (Scott) Jones, and David (Victoria) Topham. They loved performing and playing musical instruments together as the “Many Land Singers.”

She married Poul Kristensen on January 21, 1983, in the Salt Lake Temple, and their family grew to include his children Anne-Marie (Todd) Poulsen, Erik Kristensen, Alan (Lois) Kristensen, and Alice Lindgaard. Mom and Pappa Poul had 35 years together until he passed in 2017.

Mom was such a fun Grandma! She planned adventures and parties, especially her unforgettable Easter egg hunts and Christmas morning brunches. She loved her grandchildren dearly and gave them the gift of music through lessons, instruments, and encouragement. She loved her nieces and nephews and cared about their lives. Mom had many hobbies and interests: book club, camping, Great Salt Lake, looking for rocks and fossils, and decorating for Halloween.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Poul, her parents, and her siblings, E. Jack Howard, Darlene Belnap Foley, and Annette Slade.

She leaves a rich legacy, many precious grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, and great-grandchildren. God be with you till we meet again, Mom.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Brighton Stake Center, 2895 E. Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. 12:00 p.m. Viewing: 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. before services. Interment: Holladay Memorial Cemetery.

Services will be streamed and can be accessed at 11:45 a.m. prior to services by clicking on the following link - Stream link: https://youtube.com/live/nzM5o5kMZiA?feature=share