November 4, 1933 - June 22, 2019
On June 22nd, 2019 surrounded by her family, Viv passed away peacefully at Noric House in Vernon, B.C. Viv was born on November 4th, 1933 in Bashaw, Alberta and moved to Vernon, B.C. with her family at the age of 11. She married her husband Ernie in 1961 and had two children, Sue and Tom.
Viv was an avid sports fan and had a wicked right arm which she successfully used to throw strikes in the bowling alley as well as on the pitcher's mound for over 20 years, helping her fast pitch team make it to the provincial tournament multiple times. After her outstanding sports career was over, Viv dedicated countless hours fundraising and manning the concession stand for Minor Hockey and Minor Ball while her husband Ernie coached.
Viv never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her life with respect and love. She was a great storyteller, sharing stories of her life as a young girl in Bashaw and riding horses to and from school. She always had a smile on her face and possessed a laugh that warmed your heart. She was tough as nails and never uttered a complaint, even when things weren't going so well. She was constantly taking care of others, feeding everyone who came into her home and was a skilled seamstress, mending worn out clothing and making baby clothes for her loved ones.
When she was young, Viv worked in the office at Noca Dairy. After Sue was born, she worked from home so she could spend more time with her kids, and kept books for Ernie's Esso. She retired after 20 plus years as a payroll specialist at Home Support in Vernon.
Viv is survived by her children, Sue (Norm) Morin and Tom (Alaine) Kowal; six grandchildren, Jarrett, Troy, Jenni, Mackenzie, Ben and Reagan; two brothers-in-laws, Allan Kowal and David (Judy) Kowal; as well as her nieces, nephews and their families, all of whom meant the world to her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernie; her parents, George and Pauline Dye; three brothers, Vern Dye, George Dye and Len Dye; and two sisters-in-law, Joyce Dye and Bev Kowal.
Viv's family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Waldron and Dr. Butters for their amazing, constant and benevolent healthcare and to the entire staff at Noric House for their loving and compassionate support of Viv and her family.
The Funeral Service will be held at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 28th, 2019 at 11:30 am with Pastor Dithmar Molzahn officiating. A Reception will follow in the Bethel Tea Room and at the conclusion of the Reception, Viv will be taken to the Pleasant Valley Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Ernie.
Funeral arrangements have been made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5, 250-542-1187.