Margaret D. Nadauld

Margaret D. Nadauld – Life, Service, and Memorable Words

Dive into the life of Margaret D. Nadauld—teacher, church leader, advocate for women and family. Learn about her biography, faith journey, leadership in LDS Young Women, published works, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Margaret D. Nadauld (née Margaret Dyreng), born November 21, 1944, is an American educator, author, and former leader within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). She is best known for serving as the 11th General President of the Young Women organization from 1997 to 2002. Her life is marked by devotion to faith, family, and the mentorship of young women—values she has shared broadly through speeches, writing, and service.

Early Life and Family

Margaret Dyreng was born and raised in Manti, Utah, to R. Morgan and Helen Bailey Dyreng. Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti.

During her childhood, Margaret fell seriously ill with polio, enduring isolation and uncertainty in hospital care.

Her family environment combined faith, community, and learning. She later recalled summers spent helping with canning, sewing, and music lessons. These experiences grounded her later emphasis on personal effort, faith, and service.

Education, Marriage & Early Career

Margaret attended Snow College (in Ephraim, Utah) for one year, then transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU), where she earned a B.S. in Speech and English in 1967. student government and dramatic arts.

After graduation, she taught high school English in Salt Lake City and also in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1968, Margaret married Stephen D. Nadauld in the Manti Temple. seven sons together.

Her husband, Stephen, later served as a General Authority Seventy in the LDS Church (1991–1996) and subsequently as president of universities (Weber State University, Dixie State University).

Church Leadership & Service

Rising in Church Service

Margaret’s involvement in church auxiliaries was extensive: she served in the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women at ward and stake levels in various positions.

Young Women General President (1997–2002)

On October 4, 1997, Margaret D. Nadauld was sustained as the 11th General President of the Young Women organization of the LDS Church, replacing Janette C. Hales.

In that role, she oversaw global programs for young women, traveling to over 55 countries and engaging with church leadership globally.

During her presidency, several important changes and initiatives were undertaken:

• Revising the Young Women Personal Progress program with a more global emphasis

• Introducing the Young Womanhood Recognition Medallion

• Reinstituting the annual Mutual theme and adding “strengthen home and family” to the Young Women theme

She delivered numerous addresses at general conferences, including addresses titled “The Joy of Womanhood” (2000), “A Comforter, a Guide, a Testifier” (2001), “Hold High the Torch” (2002), and “A Woman of Faith” (2002).

On October 6, 2002, she was released from the General Presidency and succeeded by Susan W. Tanner.

Later Service & Influence

After her general leadership service, Margaret and her husband served as mission leaders in Switzerland/Geneva. Relief Society president and temple ordinance worker.

In civic and community roles, Margaret held leadership in organizations such as American Mothers, Inc. (Utah Vice President) and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (Utah President).

She also authored several works, particularly addressing young women and motherhood:

• Write Back Soon! Letters of Love and Encouragement to Young Women (2001)

• A Mother’s Influence: Raising Children to Change the World (2004)

Personality, Philosophy & Influence

Margaret D. Nadauld is often described as gentle in demeanor, faithful in conviction, and earnest in her desire to uplift women and youth. Her speeches commonly emphasize tenderness, virtue, faith, and divine purpose.

She frequently invoked the idea that women should not simply mirror worldly models of strength, but complement them with spiritual qualities of kindness and purity.

Her leadership style combined structural influence (revising programs, instituting new recognitions) with personal engagement—addressing individual young women’s challenges, hopes, and spiritual growth.

Through her role, she became a mentor and example to countless young women worldwide, particularly in the LDS community. Her influence continues through her writings, speeches, and local church service.

Notable Quotes

Here are a few memorable statements from Margaret D. Nadauld that reflect her spirit and teachings:

• From her 2000 talk “The Joy of Womanhood”:

  “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”

• From “What You Are Meant to Be”:

  “You inherited great potential for good from your heavenly home. May you grow to become all you were meant to be.”

These quotes articulate her belief in individual divine purpose and the qualities she deemed most essential for women in her faith tradition.

Lessons from Margaret D. Nadauld

1. Service grounded in humility and faith
   Her example shows that leadership in religious and civic spheres can be exercised gently, grounded in conviction, and attuned to individual growth.

2. Balance of structure and heart
   She led revisions to church programs yet always framed them in terms of personal transformation and spiritual purpose.

3. Voice for women’s distinct strengths
   Her consistent emphasis on tenderness, virtue, and spiritual identity affirms a vision of womanhood not defined by worldly norms but by deeper values.

4. Integration of family and calling
   Throughout her life she balanced her roles as mother, church leader, educator, and community participant—modeling how personal conviction and public service can coexist.

5. Legacy through teaching and writing
   Her published works and recorded talks continue to reach new generations, extending her influence beyond her years in formal leadership.

Conclusion

Margaret D. Nadauld’s life is a testament to faith, devotion, and the power of quietly transformative leadership. As educator, church leader, mother, and author, she has sought consistently to strengthen women—and through them, families and communities. Her tenure as Young Women General President left lasting structural and spiritual mark; her speeches and writings remain touchstones for those seeking purpose, virtue, and faith.