Doreen Coleman Neser

Doreen Coleman Neser, 86, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2024, in Layton, UT surrounded by her children. She was born in 1937 to Ivan and Florence Coleman in Santa Monica, CA. Doreen grew up in Venice, CA, the oldest of four children. After graduating Venice High School, she attended Brigham Young University as an Art Education major and earned her teaching certificate. Doreen graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1959 and soon thereafter married her sweetheart Jerry in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Doreen won many art awards and from an early age always put her artistic touch on everything she encountered. Art, drawing, sculpture, and reading were always an important part of her life. She taught classes in interior design, decorating, and calligraphy. She was often hired to use her talent in calligraphy in multiple capacities. Many have enjoyed quotes and scriptures written in calligraphy by her hand. A few years after marriage, Doreen and Jerry settled down in Simi Valley, CA. She made many friends and created many memories as she raised her children. Doreen’s love for sharing books grew and she was often called the “book fairy” as she would leave bags of books on people’s doorsteps. When the kids got older, she volunteered at the local library and then worked part-time as a children’s librarian. Her talents and expertise helped many library patrons over the years and it gave her great satisfaction to share information with anyone with a need. Doreen served valiantly in many church callings. It was a great honor for her to transcribe patriarchal blessing for many years. She also enjoyed using her artistic skills in decorating the church bulletin boards, using them to draw others to Christ. After her retirement, Doreen enjoyed thirteen years in Frisco, TX, where she lived with family. She enjoyed this time thrifting, crafting, completing family history, and attending the temple. In her final months, she was well loved by family in Utah. Throughout the years Doreen wrote many books on her life and the lives of those she loved. She compiled multiple scrapbooks and stories of ancestors. She was rarely seen without a hat and was known as the “hat lady” as well. Doreen spread praise and kindness wherever she went. Doreen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald “Jerry” and youngest son, Nathan and leaves behind her children: Jereen (KC) Fowler, Keleen Hough, Michael (April)Neser, Tiffany (Gary) Larsen, and Amy (Jeff) Dougherty; as well as 20 grandchildren and 4great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Linda, Marva, and John and many other family and friends whose lives she has touched. Graveside services will be held at the Simi Valley Public Cemetery 1461 Thompson Ln, Simi Valley, CA 93065 on February 2, 2024 at 11:00 am In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in the memory of Doreen at your local children's library or to Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library 1401 East Janss Rd Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or online at https://ftol.org/donations/ Thank you.

Doreen Coleman Neser

May 18, 1937 - January 19, 2024