Donna Mardel Carlson Enjaian

Donna Mardel Carlson Enjaian passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Donna was born on October 21,1926, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was raised in the Sugarhouse area. She was the second of three children. On the very day Donna was born on the second floor of LDS Hospital, her older sister Lavon passed away on the fourth floor. Their lives crossed paths in a sacred way, one ending her mortal journey while the other began nearly 99 remarkable years on earth. Eight years later, Donna’s younger brother Ralph was born, whom she adored all her life.

As a child, Donna enjoyed riding her bike to the fire station, where her father served as Captain. She often entertained the firefighters with tumbling routines. At the age of eight, Donna was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the baptismal font of the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Donna was a gifted singer. She began performing professionally at age 14 and, by 18, was singing with two orchestras. She performed with Dick Iba and his orchestra at the Coconut Grove, with Harold Bergner at the Mirror Room. She also sang with the Gleener Girls Chorale Group and the LDS Girls’ Choir.

She graduated from South High School, where she was active in student government and the drama club. Donna later attended LDS Business College and began working at a bank in Salt Lake City. During her time there, she and a friend took a trip to San Francisco, California. After a week, Donna sent a note back to her employer that read: “Not coming back, I’ll write often!”

It was in California that Donna met her sweetheart, Raymond Enjaian. They were married on July 25, 1953, and settled in Northern California. Together, they had four children: Laurie, Lisa, and twins Raymond Donn and Denise. Their little son Raymond passed away shortly after birth.

Donna worked for the Mount Diablo Unified School District for 35 years, serving as an attendance secretary at College Park High School and later as office manager at Concord High School. She was deeply loved by staff and students alike, forming many lifelong friendships. In honor of her dedication, a plaque bearing her name remains in the office at Concord High.

Upon retirement, Donna made a vow to get up every morning and dress as though she were going to work—a promise she kept, which is why she was always known for looking “on point.”

From 1998 to 2000, Donna and Raymond served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Church’s Genealogy Center. After their mission, they returned to Utah, settling in Riverton to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her three daughters, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Annabelle.

Viewing:
Thursday, September 25, 2025
6:00-8:00
Anderson & Goff Mortuary
11859 South 700 East, Draper, UT 84020

Memorial Service:
Friday, September 26, 2025
3:00-4:00
Legacy Retirement Home
1617 Temple Lane, South Jordan, UT 84095