Maureen Daines Hodgen

Those of you who served under President and Sister Bangerter, 1960-1962 as well as those sisters who frequented our sisters reunions will remember Maureen Daines Hodgen and her sweet 90-years-plus-mother, Sarah Daines.  

Maureen passed this morning after a brief illness from cancer.  She became aware of the cancer the day before our last Brazil Mission Reunion.  She was very forthcoming about her condition and Verna Sorensen Benson and I took lunch to her the next day. Maureen lived alone since the death of her husband in 2002.  As we sat together Verna, a former companion, asked if Maureen would like her to come and stay with her.  

Yes, they both were using walkers, but Verna still had her capable nursing skills.  Since Mother’s Day, Verna has cared for Maureen, 24-7.  Last weekend I had the opportunity to relieve her for a few days. I saw more of Maureen’s goodness and the wonderful blessing of Verna’s service. 

On Maureen’s mirror where she could see it from her bed was a large-lettered quote from Sister Bangerter, “Enjoy It.”  It had been there for years.  We especially noted it Sunday when Verna returned and we had a mini sisters reunion before I left.  No Guarana, but “Enjoy It”, popcorn for refreshments and a selfie of the three of us qualified it as a sisters reunion.  The Bangerter influence continues.  

Maureen’s brother, sisters, sister-in-law and step-sons all made a difference for her in numerous ways. Her neighbors and friends were generous and kind.  

Perhaps most of us think of Maureen as quiet,  efficient and shy.  She was all of that.  What I now treasure of Maureen is her quick smiling response when surprised with any simple thing she enjoyed. 

A special memory is her deep appreciation of the opportunity to partake of the sacrament at her bedside and the joy of listening to sacrament meeting services transmitted to her home Sunday.  Closely attached to those memories is Verna’s kind nursing service and friendship to her former Brazil mission companion. 

Brazil continues to bless us.

Maureen’s obituary will be published in the Salt Lake newspapers within the week.  She will be buried at the side of her husband, Robert Hodgen in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.