Carolyn Fae Dyson

Carolyn Dyson, 82, passed away on April 26th after a battle with breast cancer. Carolyn was the oldest of Ray and Fae Gygi’s ten children. Raised in a home where hard work, kindness, and service were core values, she embraced those principles fully throughout her life. She was known for her generosity, whether it was sharing a warm meal, sending a thoughtful letter, or delivering a funny birthday card just when someone needed it.

A graduate of Granger High School, Carolyn went on to attend the University of Utah, pausing her studies to serve an LDS mission in France—an ambitious goal at the time. She downplayed her accomplishments in later years but they sowed the seeds for others to follow She later returned to the U of U and earned a degree in History with a minor in Sociology. Though she originally planned to teach high school, she ultimately decided against the profession, joking that she loved teaching kids but didn’t love dealing with their parents.

While at the University of Utah, she met and married Arnold Dyson. Together they had two children, Kerwin and Stephanie. Carolyn and Arnold shared 56 years of marriage before Arnold passed away in 2023.

Carolyn spent her entire professional career at the University of Utah, retiring in 2009 as Associate Director of Transfer Admissions. She took great pride in advocating for students and worked tirelessly to help them succeed.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carolyn was a gifted teacher and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous callings, including Primary teacher, Primary President, Stake Primary President, Young Women’s President, Stake Young Women’s Presidency, Relief Society President, and Stake Relief Society President. Her favorite calling, however, was as a nursery teacher. She poured hours into preparing each lesson, often enlisting Arnold to create illustrations for her. Her lessons were thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully crafted.

Carolyn was a wise and trusted confidante, always ready to listen and offer meaningful advice. She had a deep love of learning and could often be found reading several books at once— especially mysteries, which she usually solved long before the final chapter. She also loved action movies where justice prevailed.

She had a quick wit, a warm laugh, and an enormous heart. While she was a loving and devoted mother, her greatest joy came in her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren—AJ, Reilly, Makenzie, Griffen, and Avery—were her pride and joy. She lit up whenever she spoke about them.

Carolyn was blessed with a strong, supportive family and cherished the deep connections she had with friends, neighbors, and siblings. In her final days, she was surrounded by love. Her beloved sister Colleen provided extraordinary care, bringing great comfort to Carolyn and peace to her children, who knew she was in loving hands.

Carolyn sometimes worried that she hadn’t done enough or lived a “big” life. But those who knew her would say otherwise—her quiet acts of service, her strength, and her wisdom left an enormous imprint on countless lives. Her absence leaves a big hole in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be greatly missed and her influence will go on, the gifts she shared will not be forgotten they will continue to be cherished as will her memory.

She is survived by her children, Kerwin (Kelli) Dyson and Stephanie Christensen; grandchildren AJ Dyson, Reilly (Carson) Owen, Makenzie Dyson, Griffen Christensen, and Avery Christensen; siblings Ginger Jorgensen, Steven Gygi, Colleen (Brian) Goodfellow, Sharla (John) Groves, and Lynette (Cris) Clements; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will held on Friday, May 2nd 10:30 am with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 - 10:15 AM at the Midvale 11th Ward, 97 West 7500 South, Midvale with interment to follow at Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan.