Margene Pedersen Duncan

Margene Pedersen Duncan, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, friend and
longtime resident of Glendora, California passed away January 12, 2009
at the age of 79. She was born in Logan, Utah on December 30, 1929 to
Hans Joseph Reuben Pedersen and Hazel Marie Partington, both Logan
natives. Her father was Logan City Auditor for 41 years and is
remembered as a big, strong man with a generous heart and great sense
of humor. He was a proud member of the Imperial Glee Club for many
years. He was a great father, grandfather and example for so many. He
died March 29, 1980. Her mother is remembered as always smiling, being
so very kind and pleasant, and keeping a neat, clean and beautiful
home. Hazel was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She died
January 11, 1968 at much too young an age. Margene was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Reuben Pedersen.
He died during World War II at the age of 19 along with many of his
neighborhood companions. Clyde was her only sibling, her playmate, her
baby-sitter, and as her older brother was always protective of her.
She was only 12 when he died and his loss was devastating to her. She
missed him so much and it was difficult growing up without him. It was
painful for her to talk about Clyde, but it was always with great
pride. Margene loved growing up in Logan. She loved the canyon, the river,
Tony Grove Lake and especially her home. She continued making yearly
visits to her home even as her health declined. She had warm memories
of her neighbors and the friends she made and kept. She loved
recounting the wonderful and fun memories of the trips she would take
with her close friend Rita when they were teenagers. Margene loved school, her friends and teachers. From Woodruff
Elementary to Logan High she enjoyed learning, playing sports and
making friends. She recalled Mr. Allen who as her sixth grade teacher
taught her to dance. Dancing remained a passion all her life. She also
enjoyed swimming, tennis and excelled at golf and bowling even into
her later years. She graduated from Logan High in 1948 and graduated
from Utah State with a degree in physical education. She taught at
Fillmore High School for two years and also at Logan Junior High for
two years. While teaching in Fillmore she met a very interested James Owen
Duncan. They dated as much as possible and had great fun together. He
was and remained a tough and strong man, but some observed a
transformation in him when Margene entered his life. It was her smile,
brightness, class and good cheer. They married June 2, 1954 in the
Logan temple and he was her cherished companion for 50 years. They
raised 4 sons, purchased 2 homes in Glendora, and together served on a
mission in Arcadia, California. After a valiant fight against cancer
Owen passed with Margene at his side. His service was on June 2, 2004,
50 years to the day from when they married. Margene also lost her beloved daughter-in-law Holly Baer Duncan of
Providence, Utah on January 9, 2006. Margene is survived by her sons,
Craig of Henderson, NV, Clyde of Simi Valley, CA, Stephen of
Providence, UT, Scott and daughter-in-law JoAnn of Glendora, CA, and
seven grandchildren. Margene loved people, life, having fun and helping others in any way
which brought them happiness and comfort. She loved to travel and
being with those who shared her passions. She loved her home,
improving it and cared for it with great pride. She especially loved
her seven grandchildren – Shawn, Jeremy, Scott and Jaden Scott &
JoAnn's kids, and Heather, Stephenie and Stephen Stephen and Holly's
kids. A visitation will be held Wednesday January 21, 2009 at 11:00 am at
Nelson Funeral Home. 162 East 400 North in Logan. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .