Annette Marie Dyer

Annette Marie Dyer, age 64, passed away August 3, 2025 in Provo, Utah after a series of health challenges. In the months before her passing she suffered from Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare, incurable, and aggressive neurological disease which claimed her life after an agonizing and confusing healthcare journey. Born November 30, 1960, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Calvin Olson Dyer and Marlene (Christiansen) Dyer, Annette graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations at Brigham Young University, and completed a Master of Social Work at Columbia University.

After graduating from BYU, Annette served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Norway, Oslo mission. She considered it a tender mercy from her Heavenly Father to be called to serve in Norway, as she was able to connect with her mother’s extended family there. These relationships were a treasure to her and she stayed in touch with them throughout her life. She later taught Norwegian at a community adult education program to a class that included some of her mother’s Norwegian-American extended family in Utah.

Post-mission, Annette worked for the University of Michigan Radiation Control service in her hometown of Ann Arbor, Zions Bank in Salt Lake City, The American Psychological Association in Washington D.C. and The Carnegie Corporation in New York City. While living in New York, Annette met her eternal companion, Glen Michael Cooper, to whom she was sealed in the Manti, Utah temple in 1995. They were blessed with two beloved children, Nicholas (1997) and Maren (2000).

Upon completing their graduate studies in New York, Annette and Glen moved to Utah County in 1999. For 18 years, Annette served the community in her work at the Children’s Justice Center of Utah County. As an Assistant Clinical Coordinator, among other roles, she brought to bear her compassion, sensitivity, and professional training to support and protect children that have experienced abuse. Her many roles included recruiting, training, and overseeing a large team of young adult community volunteers who worked one-on-one with many vulnerable children visiting the center.

Annette was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which she served many roles. Her musical talents, which she cultivated throughout her life, allowed her to serve in many music-related church callings. She also served in the children’s primary, young women’s, and women’s Relief Society teaching and leadership roles, among many volunteer callings.

Annette was a dedicated wife and mother and the center of her home and family life. She was also a “Big Sister” and mentor to many extended family members, friends, and colleagues. She recognized the importance of bringing people and families together and felt joy when she was strengthening those bonds. This was especially true after her parents passed away, when she was often the driving force behind gathering her siblings and their families for “family reunions”. Most notably, in the summer of 2024 she organized a pilgrimage for all her siblings and their children (20 people) to tour Norway and visit their extended family.

Annette is survived by her husband, Glen Michael Cooper, and their two children: Nicholas Sebastian Dyer Cooper, of Salt Lake City and Maren Alexandra Charlotte Dyer Cooper, of Springville. She is also survived by two brothers, Evan (Michaela) Dyer of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Stephen (Tami) Dyer of Shanghai China, and a sister Charlotte (Jamie) Walker of Salt Lake City.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 8 at 11 AM at the Spring Creek Stake Center, 760 N. 400 E. in Springville. The family will receive family and friends Thursday, August 7 from 7 to 9 PM at 760 N. 400 E. in Springville, and from 9:30-10:30 AM before the funeral on Friday. She will be interred at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City. Annette and her family wish to thank the numerous family, friends, nurses, and doctors who provided kind support and care during her illness.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.