VIVIAN MOORE

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VIVIAN MOORE It was a long battle with a short, but peaceful ending. After fighting cancer successfully for five years, Vivian Moore quietly slipped away from us all on October 23, 2005, in Toronto. Vivian was no stranger to struggle. She fled the grinding poverty of a small mountain village in Greece as a child. On her own, she crossed the Atlantic on a steamer ship to live with an uncle and aunt in Canada in the hope of finding a better life. She grew up half a world away from her mother and brothers, living in a land where she did not speak the language. It was a challenge that would defeat many. But with unwavering determination, she persevered. And she did find that rich and wonderful and rewarding life. A radiant young woman living in Hamilton, she met Allan Moore, the man with the dancing blue eyes and infectious smile who became her true love and devoted soulmate. From Hamilton, they moved to Winnipeg, where they spent most of their 51 years together. They shared a life blessed with close family and warm friendships. They entertained graciously. They cocooned with their children at the cottage. They celebrated both triumphs big and small with friends and loved ones. And with infinite compassion, they were always the first to extend a hand when darkness descended into someone else's life. Rarely did they stand still for long. Together they criss-crossed the globe, sharing adventures together in Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. But their most poignant trips were visits back to Greece where Vivian reconnected with her loving mother and adoring brothers. Vivian will be deeply missed by her family. Her husband Allan, her sons Paul and David, Paul's wife Susan Swan and David's partner Alfredo Rodriguez. And she will also be deeply missed by the two boys, who could always put a smile on her face, her beloved grandsons Graydon and Jonathan. Beyond family, there are countless people from Winnipeg, Victoria Beach, Toronto and throughout southern Ontario, who will be saddened by her passing. But all of us, family and friends alike, will smile someday soon knowing that we were all privileged to have shared a walk along the same path as such a vibrant and loving soul. A funeral service will be held in Toronto this Thursday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of St. James-The-Less at St. James Cemetery, 635 Parliament St. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1-888-939-3333. Arrangements entrusted to the Humprey Funeral Home - A.W. Miles Chapel, in Toronto, 1-800-616-3311.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2005