Melanie Boren Dern
October 20, 1954 - November 21, 2024
Melanie Boren Dern, 70, of Herriman, Utah passed away unexpectedly on November 21st, 2024. She was born on October 20th, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Henry and Vera Maxine Boren.
She was raised to be adventurous, as she traveled the world with her family at a young age. She started with a voyage across the ocean to England on the Queen Mary. At the age of 8, she returned to America, where she lived with her family in Holladay, Utah. It was at that time that she met her lifelong friend, June Hansen.
After a chance encounter at Lindsey Gardens in September of 1972, she met the love of her life, Deveraux Riley Dern. They were together for nearly seven years before marrying on January 20th, 1979. They went on to have 3 children and provided the warmest and most loving home.
Melanie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a homemaker and family pillar known for her love, kindness, and genuine concern for everyone. She taught those in her life to always be kind and was a ray of light with the most beautiful smile.
Outside of homemaking, Melanie was an accomplished hairdresser, where she enjoyed making people feel beautiful. She went on to work at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father John Norman.
Melanie was passionate about life. She was always eager to experience anything new. She was an avid baker. Family, friends and neighbors looked forward to her Christmas cookies. Later in life, Melanie took up water-coloring and found a hidden talent that none of us knew she had. Her work adorns our homes.
Melanie cherished her time with her family. She made every occasion memorable, from Sunday dinners to Christmas celebrations. But, her most important role was being a grandmother. She nurtured her grand-childrens talents and supported their dreams.
Her spirit, love, and joy will live on in all who knew her.
Melanie is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Deveraux; their 3 children, Dustin (Ashley) Dern, Ashley (Dak) Harvey, Emily Dern; and her precious grandchildren, Zachary, Claire, Nolynn, and Keaton. She is also survived by her siblings, Marilyn Cox and John Boren, along with numerous extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 5th, 2024, at Starks Funeral Parlor from 6:00-8:00 PM, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on December 6th, 2024, at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 11:00am, 1375 Spring Ln, Holladay, with a graveside to follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
In Loving Memory
Melanie was a dear friend for many years. I miss her so much. Truly one of the nicest people ever. ❤️
This news is shocking and heartbreaking. I am so, so, sorry to hear this. Melanie was such a wonderful woman. She will be dearly missed. My prayers being said for strength and comfort for you in the coming days. Our deepest sympathies. Cheryl and Les
Melanie was a special person, so kind and beautiful. She was a dear friend and I will miss her. Much love to her family.
Iam so sorry for the loss of your dedicated loving wife and your sweet caring mother she was always such a caring friend and neighbor. Our neighborhood will miss her but gain a daily watchful caring angel. My love to the Dern Family
My deepest condolences to the Dern Family. Melanie is one of the most kind and gentle souls I know. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May she rest in Gods care. Much love to all. ♥️🙏🏼
Dear Dev and Family; Sincere love and sympathy in the loss of your beautiful Melanie. May her life be honored by all she loved. May her memory be cherished for all she gave and may your hearts be comforted by all you shared. Life is but a journey, leading to a perfect home. Rest in peace sweet Melanie Love, Gerri
She was an amazing grandma and did everything for me. She made all my hopes and dreams come true. She would always have me entertained. She made me laugh so hard that I fell off my chair! She was the best grandma and will always be in our hearts.
I’m sending sincere condolences to the Dern family. I have many fond memories of Melanie. Prayers Jackie, Brittney and Donovan Burns
Dev, I know we’ve talked on the phone. I know how it is when your sweet heart passes. But remember you’ll see her again. My heart and prayers go out to you. We’ll always be in touch. That’s what family is all about.
Our hearts go out to the entire Dern family during this difficult time. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds. We will never forget the great times we had with Melanie while she was with us at Immaculate Conception. Raul & Esthela DeLaCruz
Melanie will always be in our thoughts and prayers a beautiful Lady who gave of herself to others. Our deepest sympathy to Melanie’s beautiful family. Rest in Peace Dear Melanie.
I'll truly miss Melanie! I've known her, since we were in 7th grade. Truly a very special angel.. Big hugs Melanie! Love you always, Cathy 💕
Emily, From Katherine and me, our deepest condolences for you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
Dev and family, I am thinking of you all in a special way today, the day of Mel’s Funeral Mass. Your loss is so great. She was like no other. Her soft-spoken strength was unique. I will always be grateful for her special care of the valuable parish community at Our Lady of Lourdes, Magna, along with her special support of me as pastor. She was always so proud and dedicated to her children and their families. Melanie cared for people in ways that made them feel special. She made all of better through her kindness and her love for us. I are all very lucky for having known her and for having been loved by her. Rest In Peace, dear Melanie.
So very, very, sorry to hear about the loss of Melanie! We grew up together. She was always so kind and nice to everyone. I just saw her and we happily chatted at our 50 th high school reunion. She looked great, and again was the same sweet person, as always. Condolences to her family.
In Loving Memory
