Avis de décès de Vivian Anderson - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

ANDERSON _ Vivian, peacefully in her own pretty bedroom at Inglewood Care Centre at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2003 after an unexpected stroke. Her much loved daughter Kerry was holding her hand. At age 88, after living with Alzheimers for 10 years, Viv was still enjoying life and delighting in the company of those she loved. Born in Burnaby, BC on February 13, 1915, Viv grew up in South Granville with a bright, enquiring mind. Denied university because of the Depression, she delighted in life-long learning, at libraries, night school, UBC summer courses, Brock House and West Van Senior Centre "coffee" discussion groups. Viv loved lilacs, crab sandwiches, Mars bars, berets, royalty magazines, PBS series "Upstairs Downstairs", "Inspector Maigret", "Hercule Poirot" and "Miss Marple". She once ate 12 cobs of corn. Among her small pleasures: afternoon tea, summer gin-and-tonics (always Schweppes) with a friend in the garden, and Dylan Thomas' reading of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" on Christmas Eve. Having won a city-wide school grammar contest, Viv remained a fierce protector of words. For over 40 years, she kept a list of the correct pronunciation of troublesome words. She couldn't resist a fire engine siren or a Purdy's chocolate. Her favourite movie was "Brief Encounter" with Cecilia Johnson. Vera Lynn's "That Lovely Weekend" reduced Viv to tears. She was a wonderful home baker and gardener. Among Viv's happy memories of a good life lived as she wished: matinees at the Stanley Theatre, RCAF war years in Calgary, golfing at Point Grey, travels to Paris, England and Bermuda, days at EXPO 86, and birthdays at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. She valued kindness, honesty, manners, men who could whistle, and a good dance partner. Her face lit up at the sight of a baby or young child, or the sound of a sing-a-long. Viv gave her daughter the gifts of a happy childhood and lifelong unconditional love and support. In her later years living with Alzheimers, Viv gave her daughter a new and wonderful gift - the ability to live in the present, free of past or future worries; just delighting in a welcoming smile and a hug, or a shared magazine, tea and cookies. Viv will be happily remembered by her daughter Kerry McPhedran, dear nieces Sandy McCrone and Heather Qually, and the staff, companions, residents and family members of Inglewood Care Centre. We will miss Viv's welcoming smile, humour, generosity, kindness and the comforting touch of her soft hands. Many thanks to the Margaret Fulton Alzheimers Support Group who eased the journey for Kerry; to Viv's sister Maj McCrone who visited until her own death; to Dr. Annette Anderson; and to the staff of Inglewood and Viv's companions Anna and Frances, for their kind and constant care, and for their genuine affection which so brightened Mom's last three years. What had been a lonely life ended as one filled with new friends. Vivian is the inspiration behind Inglewood's proposed Friendship Garden, a safe retreat for those with dementia. Donations towards a lilac tree may be made to the Garden Project, Inglewood Residents Council, 725 Inglewood Ave., West Van V7T 1X8.. Vivian will be remembered at Inglewood's monthly Celebration of Life, July 20 at 2 p.m. Best of all, please visit a senior in care or alone at home, and hold a hand. Turn homeward always; when we are together, the table will be set with love, and more, lamps will be lighted, music at the door.