Marsali McAllister Cheney Obituary (1940

Marsali McAllister Cheney passed away peacefully in Provo, Utah, on May 8, 2022, from Parkinson's disease. We will always remember her warmth, her kindness, and her love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Marsali was born to Karma McGregor and Ellis Savage McAllister, October 22, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, but she grew up among the orchards of Ogden, Utah. During high school and college, she scooped ice cream at Farr's, waited tables at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and cut patterns for Utah Woolen Mills. With her earnings and a full-tuition scholarship, Marsali attended Brigham Young University, her dream come true. She loved serving as Activities Vice President in student government and caring for fellow students as the Senior Resident in Penrose Hall. After graduation, she declined a prestigious position with Pillsbury Test Kitchens, Minneapolis, in favor of teaching. She taught English and Home Economics at Ben Lomond High School in Ogden where her two cooking classes for boys were especially popular. During the spring of 1964, Marsali attended a Young Adult ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. There in a talent show, as she and her roommates sang about the joys of being single, she caught the eye of the love of her life--Brigham Vernon Cheney. They married in the Salt Lake Temple, August 20, 1964, then shortly after moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where they lived for 33 years and raised six children. In 1999, they moved to Provo, Utah. Marsali delighted in sharing her talents with those around her. She had a passion for music, and studied voice and dancing. Her piano playing was vibrant and articulate. As a violinist, she performed in several orchestras, most recently as first chair in the Provo New Horizons Orchestra. She also made the world brighter and better through her natural gardening, sewing, and culinary skills. Deeply committed to The Church of Jesus Christ, she served faithfully as a leader and teacher in numerous auxiliaries, and as a piano and organ accompanist. However, her happiest service was teaching high school Seminary weekdays at 6:00 a.m. for seven years. Marsali was a devoted mother and compassionate friend. Her warm smile, listening heart, and affirming words touched all who knew her. From childhood, she remembered her father saying that every individual was of divine worth, and that she should choose the path which allowed her to serve the most. Meeting others’ needs became paramount in her life. Indeed, her entire life was a testament of this deep conviction. Throughout difficult challenges in life, Marsali remained cheerful and grateful. She determined to live life to the fullest despite her debilitating disease. She found joy in overcoming. She carried in her heart a love of God and her fellowmen. Undoubtedly, she is now busy blessing lives in her Heavenly home. Marsali was preceded in death by her husband, Brigham Vernon Cheney. She is survived by her six children, Jill (John Griffin), Mark (Kim), Heather, Karin (Travis Pierson), Brigham (Jenn), John, and her 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. As a family, we thank the many dear neighbors and friends who lovingly served Mom and Dad for so many years. We also appreciate the kind way the staffs of Legacy Assisted Living Center and Renew Hospice cared for Mom before her passing. Finally, the family wishes to thank Berg Mortuary for their services in laying Mom and our recently passed Dad to rest. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Provo Grandview Stake Center, 1600 North 1880 West, Provo, Utah, 84604. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to view a live stream of the service via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/91460733123. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brigham Young University or the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.