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SALT LAKE CITY — Educators of all levels and many others joined together Friday for the funeral of Beverly Taylor Sorenson — the woman who dedicated her life to fight for arts education in Utah.
At the age of 89, Sorenson passed away Monday night of natural causes, surrounded by friends and family.
"Well, it was a great celebration of a great life," Gov. Gary Herbert said of Friday's funeral service.
That is exactly how most people remember Sorenson: a great life with great meaning. She devoted her life to fighting for what she believed in — that arts and education can change lives for the better.
"She understood, better than most, how important arts are to creativity," Herbert said. "You'll be a better scientist, you'll be a better mathematician, if you use that creative side of your brain that's fostered by involvement with the arts."
The organization Americans for the Arts honored Sorenson's advocacy and philanthropy in 2011 by presenting her with the Eli and Edythe Broad Award. It's given to one person each year for his or her contributions in advancing the arts.
Herbert recognizes Sorenson for helping Utah on greater scale, calling her "the matriarch of a great family that contributed so much to the quality of life in Utah, particularly with her emphasis on education and the arts."
Along with her husband, LeVoy Sorenson, Beverly Sorenson founded the Sorenson Legacy Foundation to support cultural, educational, scientific and community-focused projects.
In 2011, the foundation donated $12 million for an arts and education building at the University of Utah. The building now serves as a research and education center unlike any other.
