March 31, 1934 - September 6, 2020
Our hearts are broken as we share in the loss of our cherished mother, grandmother and best friend, Viviane.
Viviane was predeceased by her loving husband Laurie, her parents Leo Paul and Isabelle, sister Lucille, brother Denis and daughter-in-law Lynn.
She leaves behind her five children - Leonard (Sharon), Randy (Joyce), Gale (Shane), Judy (Ryan), Nelson (Patti), 8 grandchildren - Tristina, Larissa, Jennifer, Amanda, Logan, Conor, Sean, Tanner and 7 great grandchildren - Mason, Drayton, Juliane, Emily, Haley, Liliko, Shinoka, 2 sisters - Evelyn, Louise (John), 5 brothers - Lionel, Valmore (Eva), Louis (Rolande), Hector (Linda), Pat (Linda), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Viviane was born in St.Paul, Alberta and was the eldest of 10. She met Laurie when she was 17 years old. They were married a year later, enjoying 59 years together before his passing in 2011. Together they raised their five children. They enjoyed traveling and wintered in Arizona for over 30 years.
Mom was often described by the ways of her "spirit" — loving, joyful, peaceful, kind, good, gentle, dependable, affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity, a sense of compassion in the heart, a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people, involvement in loyal commitments, and finally, being a person not needing to force her way in life. Was she a model example and prized blessing - Yes! It seemed she was embraced by everyone she touched, including family, friends and even strangers.
However, she had one formidable foe - cancer. During her 36 year on again-off again relationship with cancer, it was those same "ways and gifts of spirit" that provided her with strength into the final trying days of succumbing to her nemesis. She faithfully expressed a model example of love to her family and friends. She fought a long battle and did it with perseverance and grace.
Viviane was the solid foundation of our home and loved doing everything she could for her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook, bake, sew and knit. Her home was immaculate, and she always made room for extra friends and family at her table and in her home. The cookie jar was always full and the freezer stocked with pies, breads and more cookies! She enjoyed the summer flowers and loved to spend time in her yard. Her passion was her family. Viviane had a huge heart and a great sense of humour. She was always willing to help out where she could. Back in the days, she was the mom on the block handing out homemade doughnuts, popsicles and volunteering at school. If you needed anything sewn, she could hardly wait for you to leave so that she could get it done as quickly as possible. We were all so proud of mom and knew how blessed we were that she was ours.
Her siblings considered her the matriarch and "boss". She loved their reunions and their many sister road trips to see her brothers in BC. They were all full of fun, mischief, laughter and love. Every gathering had many stories and memories.
She loved her morning coffee with the ladies. They have laughed, cried and lifted each other up in trying times. To those ladies, we are so thankful for your kindness and your friendships with mom.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and the palliative team for your compassion, care and support, enabling mom to remain at home with comfort and dignity.
The void in our lives will always be, but our memories and our love for her, can never be taken.
Rest In Peace - Our beautiful and precious mother.
At mom's request, there will be no funeral service. A private family memorial will take place at Alto Reste Cemetery where her ashes will be joined with dad's.