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VIVIAN ALMA EVELINE TURENNE (PEARCE)
Born: Sep 02, 1946
Date of Passing: Jan 02, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryVIVIAN ALMA EVELINE TURENNE (nee PEARCE) All too suddenly, Vivian Viv Turenne passed away the morning of Wednesday, January 2, 2013, following a brief struggle with cancer. She was 66. Viv leaves to mourn a son and daughter, two grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, a sister and two brothers, and countless other relatives and friends. Viv was predeceased by her husband Bernie in 2004, and if there is any justice in this world, or the world beyond it, she has already found his embrace once again. Viv was born September 2, 1946, in Winnipeg, the second daughter of Allan and Eveline Pearce. She grew up in Crescentwood with her siblings Eileen, Russell and Norman, and was among the first class ever to attend Grant Park High School. She eventually moved across the river when she met and married Bernie in 1969. Viv worked much of her career for Gendis Inc., where she formed friendships that endure to this day. She held numerous other positions throughout her working life, but perhaps her favourite was her term as a stay-at-home mom, when Lise and Paul were little. This allowed for full summers at the lake enjoying everything from blueberry picking to playing games with the kids on rainy days, and from buying treats at Ernie's Bakery in Lac du Bonnet to competing in the grocery scramble during Heather Game and Fish Picnic Days. Viv's exceptional singing talents may have been best enjoyed by her friends at parties and around campfires with her fellow Brigadiers, where she was renowned for singing Summertime. She did experience some significant musical success on larger stages, including a long-ago role in a Rainbow Stage production and a more recent Canada Day performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. She was also proud of her Swedish heritage, and her children can only hope that one day their Christmas coffee bread will be as good as hers. More than anything though, Viv was devoted to her family; her beloved Bernie, her two children, and in recent years her two grandchildren, Abby and Alexei, who will dearly miss their Nana. Her love and devotion will be sorely missed by all but will never, ever, be forgotten. Jamais je ne t'oublirai. Funeral services will take place Monday, January 7, at 1:00 p.m., at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Cambridge St. A reception will follow at the nearby Crescentwood Community Centre, Viv's childhood club. Funeral services will be directed by Cropo Funeral Chapel, www.cropo.com.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2013
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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So very sorry to hear of the passing of such a beautiful soul! I remember her happy smile, her great voice and the friendship offered me after I became a voyageur. My condolences to all the family. Bellefeuille - Posted by: Gail Lefebvre BELLEFEUILLE (Brigade de la Riviere Rouge) on: Jan 08, 2013
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What a beautiful obit. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate Matante Viv's wonderful life with everyone. Au revoir Matante Viv, jamais je ne t'oublirai. - Posted by: Danielle Duperron (Niece) on: Jan 08, 2013
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Prior to leaving for Florida for the winter, in November, Vivian and I exchanged hugs and wished each other a nice winter. It was a total shock to see her obituary in the Free Press a few days ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very difficult time. We will miss Vivian as a neighbor and a friend. - Posted by: Metro and Maria Filewich (Neighbor at Unit 3 -66 Willowlake Crescent) on: Jan 07, 2013
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We share a long time friendship with Viv, Bernie and the Turenne family. We remember with good humour our initiation into La Brigade along with our dear James Pearson. Today we feel very far from all of you and in particular Paul and Sam, Lise and our precious grandchildren Abrielle and Alexei. - Posted by: Lorraine and Raymond Bisson (family and loving friends) on: Jan 07, 2013
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I was saddened to hear of Viv's illness and death - too young and too vibrant. I can still hear her laugh and her "Summertime", the harmonies of James and the Supreme. Her voice will be missed. You are in my thoughts - big hugs. - Posted by: Elizabeth Kelly (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2013
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I was so saddened to see that Vivian had passed - I remember thinking how young Bernie was when he died, almost as young as Dewight when I lost him. I remember Viv and Bernie at the kids' soccer games, always there for Paul who played with my son, Kurtis, who I also lost in 2012. Hang in there, Paul and Lise. Life can be rough sometimes, but your memories must be good ones. - Posted by: Roberta Beach () on: Jan 06, 2013
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My most sincere condolences to VIV's family.VIV was truly a great and wonderful lady! I shall always remember her beautiful smile! I was truly shocked to learn of her passing.She will surely leave a large void in many of our lives! AU REVOIR VIV! GOD BLESS! - Posted by: PADOUE (FRIEND and COUSIN) on: Jan 05, 2013
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Viv was a beautiful woman with a bright smile that could light up a room. She had the sweetest, softest voice and her laugh was unparalleled. She was kind and sweet, always concerned with how everyone around her was doing and feeling. My heart aches for Paul, Lise and for my nephew and niece Abby and Alexei. All of my condolences to the Turenne family. I know that your amazing grace and commitment to one-another as a strong and wonderful family will carry you all through this terrible loss. I grieve with you. - Posted by: Melanie Bisson () on: Jan 04, 2013
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Bernie was an avid fisherman and whatever time the Almanac stated, even if it was 3:00 a.m., Bernie would be out there! Often Vivian would take Paul and Lise with a few children's books and read to them while Bernie fished. You have to know with what great expressions Vivian read! Little did she know on a particular day that she had an audience who applauded loudly from another boat! She was totally embarassed! Viv was a wonderful mother and grandmother. After Lise and Paul were born, she once told me that she could now look at babies without wanting another one. We will miss her! Shirley and Eugene Pantel - Posted by: Eugene and Shirley Pantel (Friends) on: Jan 04, 2013
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An extract from Viv's memoir of a 1990 canoe trip from Red Lake, Ontario to Aikens Lake, Manitoba : Today's paddling was interesting - creeks, falls, over a beaver dam, small and large lakes and lots of beaver lodges, and plenty of 'evidence' that moose and bear lived here. We had encountered good weather, a bit of wind, but nothing too serious. Bernie arrived at the site with a 'big splash' - upon disembarking from our canoe, he lost his balance and rather than tip the canoe, he fell into the water for an unscheduled dip - glasses, shoes et al. The look on his face was - well you had to be there. We dug into Lauraine Perreault's stew which Clem brought along for tonight's meal. Andy has just cut his finger trying to make a hole for a leather strap in his new 'cup' . The stew proved to be fabulous - everyone is sitting around sipping red wine and cappuccino - the voyageurs never had it so good! The loons were calling and we all enjoyed a beautiful sunset in total solitude........ Bon Voyage Viv. You have now been called to meet up with your Bernie and good friend Andy! Save me a spot for your next trip. Adieu my friends. Clem - Posted by: Clément Perreault & Lauraine Chatelain (friends) on: Jan 04, 2013