VIVIEN RUTH GRAHAM

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VIVIEN RUTH GRAHAM Vivien Ruth Graham passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 24, 2014 at the Victoria General Hospital. Vivien is survived by her two sons Cam (Jan) and David (Marsha), son-in-law Blair, along with her beloved grandchildren Andrew, Alex, Derek, Brooke, Dawn (Graham) and Brianne (Jarvis), and her prized three great-grandchildren, Kalia, Myla, and Jackson. She is also survived by her two sisters Irene and Ellen, and her brother Cy. She was predeceased by her husband Don, her daughter Carol, and her grandson Christopher. Vivien was a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was born in Swan River to Douglas and Marjorie Russell. Vivien (Viv) attended the Swan River Collegiate in the Edgemont School District and took business courses at the Russell Business Institute. After her schooling she got a job working for London and Western Trusts Company. As a young woman, she joined the Canadian Women's Army Corp. where she served as a Sergeant for the Department of Defense. She left the army in 1952 to raise a family. Later in life she worked in the St. Vital Health Unit for 10 years. Vivien volunteered for 21 years with the St. Vital Health Unit before working there. She also volunteered at the St. Amant Centre. She was a member of St. Marks Anglican Church for years and worked many a dinner reception there. Vivien married Donald (Don) Graham and they were blessed with over 60 years together. In their retirement, Viv and Don wintered in Mesa, Arizona for 20 years making new friends and enjoying the family that wintered there also. Their mobile home always seemed to be the one that hosted the visiting family members and guests. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Moose Lake where friends and family were always welcome. Moose Lake was full of many memories and held a special place in Mom's heart and with her strong influence the whole extended family still gets together for summer holidays. Vivien had a special bond with her bridge ladies that played together for many decades. Sadly when Vivien's sight diminished she had to give up her bridge playing but the bond was always there and she would get together on the odd bridge night with the group for snacks and conversation. There will be no formal service In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the CNIB or a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2014