Annette was born in Wellsville, Utah, to Colin S. and Amy Christiansen Cooper. She grew up on the family farm with her siblings Lawana, Colene, Gary and Peggy. Those early years instilled in her a strong work ethic, devotion to family and enduring resilience.

After graduating from South Cache High School in 1957, Annette attended Utah State University and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New England.

While working at Thiokol, Annette caught Howard D Nielsen’s eye–and his heart. They married June 28, 1963, in the Logan Utah Temple and shared 62 years of marriage marked by deep love, mutual respect and devotion.

Annette and Howard had five children. Their first, Baby Howard, passed away shortly after birth, followed by Caprus, Carol, Callette and Burke. They settled in Pleasant View, Utah, where they raised their family and built a life surrounded by cherished friends and neighbors.

Annette’s faith was a constant, centered on her Savior and eternal life. She served in many ward and stake callings, including leadership in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. She and Howard later served as ordinance workers in the Ogden Utah Temple.

Annette devoted herself to raising her family and, when needed, worked outside the home, including in the local fruit industry and later for Dr. Rod Cragun’s dental practice. Her children often worked alongside her, learning the value of hard work.

Annette loved people and made them feel welcome. Her home was immaculate, her gardens beautiful, and it was a gathering place for family and friends. She was a wonderful friend and listener, genuinely interested in others and accepting of different people and cultures. She was especially close to her grandchildren, and no matter the distance, Grandma and Grandpa’s house was always home.

She and Howard loved road trips in the big blue van, camping, and traveling to visit family, including treasured trips to Germany. Their greatest adventure was living in Turkey from 1993 to 1995, where they embraced the culture and formed lasting friendships.

In her final years, Annette gradually lost memories, words and abilities, but her warmth, beautiful smile and the love you felt in her presence never faded. Her son Burke was a constant presence, caring for both Annette and Howard through their later years. Even as her world became less familiar, she never stopped lighting up when Burke walked into the room. Her family will forever be grateful for his extraordinary devotion.

Annette is survived by her children, Caprus Hotze (Klaus), Callette Nielsen, and Burke Cooper Nielsen; grandchildren, Melissa Krywult (Lorenz), Jayson Hotze, Katherine “Kati” Cole (John), and Madeleine “Madi” Nielsen; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard D Nielsen; their infant son, Howard Cooper Nielsen; their daughter, Carol Nielsen; her parents, Colin S. and Amy Christiansen Cooper; and siblings, Lawana, Colene, Gary and Peggy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Orchard Springs 17th Ward, 900 West Pleasant View Dr. Friends may visit with family Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, at 2 p.m. at Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, Utah.

The family is deeply grateful to Canyon Home Health for their kindness and care, and to the memory care team at Spring Gardens, truly angels on earth, who cared for Annette with extraordinary patience and tenderness, and loved her along the way.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Annette’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.