VIVIAN TOD

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VIVIAN TOD Vivian Evelyn Tod (Harrington) (nee Toews) passed away peacefully at her home in River Heights on August 3, 2010. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Wilhelmina Toews, and her brother Kenneth. Vivian was predeceased by her husband William Harrington in 1975, and also by her second husband Murray Tod in 1984. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Barbara Henderson and son-in-law Bryan, daughter Ruth Chipman and son-in-law Stephen; grandchildren, William (Heather), Michael (Natalie), Lauren (Stephen), Kevin, Brian, Tod, and Mei Li; great-grandsons, Benjamin, Cooper, Finn and Wyatt; sister, Janet Toews; and sister-in-law, Edith Toews. Vivian will also be missed by her niece, nephews, cousins and stepchildren. Vivian was born in Winnipeg on September 13, 1927, and grew up in Steinbach, Manitoba. She later moved back to Winnipeg where she raised her family and was an active member of the community. Vivian was a proud career woman. Her first job was with the news department of the Winnipeg Tribune. She later went to work for many years at the Winnipeg Grain Exchange. Her business life and world travels sparked a keen interest in international affairs and the peoples of the countries she visited. In her retirement she found a late-in-life vocation as an ESL teacher for the Winnipeg School Division. She often spoke of the pleasure she derived from helping new Canadians adjust to life in a new country. In her spare time Vivian was an avid reader, gardener and golfer. She enjoyed many friendships at Niakwa Country Club and with the ladies of her stitchery group. Vivian had a firm faith and was an active lifetime member of Bethesda Church where for many years she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. For the past few years, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of Awana, a youth group that meets weekly in the church. The children and the program were a meaningful part of her life and she was always ready to share this ministry with others. Family was the centre of her life and Nana' was a strong, enthusiastic and loving influence on the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vivian's credo in life was to meet sorrow and pain with fortitude, disappointment with hope, and joy with gratitude. Vivian's family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion of the first responders, the Winnipeg Police Service, and the Medical Examiner's office. They would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. P. G. Mehta and Dr. R. P. Guzman for their wonderful care of Vivian over the years. The memorial service will take place at Bethesda Church, 1350 Grant Ave., on Saturday August 7 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined but should friends wish donations to Rossbrook House would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2010