Cornelia “Nena” Brown LeSueur passed away peacefully through the veil, to be reunited with her husband after a 48-year separation, in her home on December 28, 2018 – the home she lived in for 70 years.
Nena was born at home on September 6, 1918, to Donald and Cornelia Brown, in Miami, Arizona. She was the third of six children. She married William Wallace LeSueur on July 29, 1940, in the Manti Utah Temple. She spent most of her 100+ years in Mesa, where she and her husband, Wallace LeSueur, raised their six children with love. Her life was devoted to serving – in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her family, and her community.
In a day when few women went to college, Nena graduated with a degree in education from Arizona State Teacher’s College (now ASU) and taught school while her husband served in the military during WWII. She and her husband built a business together – LeSueur’s Men’s Store – that served Mesa for many years, including outfitting many missionaries.
Nena is survived by her children, Arlene Flake (Gerald), Bill (Nancy), Keith (Kathy), Denna Denton (Marc), Jay (Carol), and Darrel (Teresa); 206 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and spouses; and one sister, Donna Ruth Gair (Bruce). She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace; three brothers; one sister; and one grandson, William Wallace LeSueur II.
Funeral services will be held on January 12, 2019 at 11:00am at the Solomon Ward, 977 East Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85204. There will be no visitation prior to the service, however, family and friends are invited to meet in the cultural hall to visit after the service. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.
The family is very appreciative of all of the service rendered to our mother over the last few years of her failing health.
I’m hoping this celebration of a life well lived will be one of joy in the midst of reflection for your all. What a great example she has been! Sending love to your family. Diane
RIP…. Sorry for the Loss, May Your Family Forever be blessed with the wonderful Memories to Cherish in these difficult times……
Wallace was my super influential bishop as a teenager. I remember visiting often in their home. Nina was so friendly and helpful to us boys. Arlene was also a good friend. I always enjoyed visiting with Nina when I visited Mesa in later years. She was a real Christlike example to everyone who knew her. Nina’s family is so blessed to have her as their mother, grandmother, and friend.
Aunt Nena was very special to me and my siblings throughout our lives. When we were young I think our family spent every special holiday celebrating with their family. Their home was like a second home to me as I spent many hours there playing with Arlene and sleeping over. She had the sweetest disposition, and I can still hear her laugh (or giggle) in my head. I so appreciate her love and support throughout my life. I love her very much, and I feel blessed to be her niece.
We share in your sorrow at the loss of a great invidual whose example we all admire. We send our love to each member of her family and know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time in your lives.
Aunt Nena was and is a remarkable women; a great example of living and serving faithfully. She will be deeply missed by her sister Donna. I grateful to be part of this eternal family. I know she is enjoying being reunited with Uncle Wally and her parents. My love and prayers go out to her children, descendants and loved ones… I guess that’s all of Mesa and most of Arizona!
My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to all my LeSueur cousins. I wish I could be there with you all today to honor Aunt Nena. With love, Vickie
Loved reading this living remembrance of your mother, Keith. She lived & fought the good fight it seems. I am so happy that she reunited with her husband & I’m sure her Welcome Home was glorious!