Loving wife of the late James Cottew (JC) Thompson, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 24, 2022 (age 87 years) at The Ravine's Retirement Residence in Ottawa.
Predeceased by her parents Leonard and Rose Brushett and her sister Jean Anderson. Survived by her sister Esther Little and her loving children James (Lillian) and Sandra (Laird) and her grandchildren Jimmy, Alex, Andrew, Adam and Emily.
Our vibrant vivacious Vivian will be missed. Born in the early 30's and raised in Skunk Hollow, Alberta (an Edmonton suburb near North Saskatchewan River) with her two sisters, you would find Vivian helping her father fix the roof, repair the car and find gold at the river bend. Her first job was working in the head office of Pembina Pipeline where she met "her JC".
After marriage, honeymoon and first born (James III), Vivian took a 'leap of faith' and went east with her new family and found herself adapting to a completely different society (yes, Ottawa). Very soon after settling in, Vivian's second child (Sandra) arrived on the scene. Vivian and her family thrived in our nation's capital making lifelong friends and discovering her love for nature.
Vivian joined St .Andrews Church soon after she arrived in Ottawa and was very active in the Women's Guild for many years.
Vivian was an entertainer. She never ceased to amaze with her attention to detail, creating a rich environment for people to gather and converse. Vivian was adamant about living every day to the fullest. She had strong faith and shared her values, teachings and beliefs.
Vivian sold advertising for the National Arts Centre and earned a real estate broker license to pursue a career in real estate. Her energy didn't stop there. She embraced cottage life (Kingsmere, Quebec), hiking in the Gatineau hills and cross country skiing on 70 miles of trails. If you wonder who painted the red metal disks to mark trails at Camp Fortune, it was Vivian.
There was never a dull moment for her family and friends. While she was never shy to give her opinion, we all learned from her and are fortunate to have known her. She gave us honesty, liveliness and love.
Respecting her wishes, cremation has taken place at the Beechwood Cemetery. A special celebration of her life will be held at a later date with family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St.Andrews Church, 82 Kent St. Ottawa would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Janet Banigan (Murray)
Mark Dagenais
As the grandson of Vivian’s skiing friend Harmon Cahill, I do have pleasant memories of her kindness towards him. They skied together with Elsie Mandel among others in the 1960’s. It was Vivian who as a real estate agent, looked after the sale of Harmons house on Range Rd. in the late 1970’s. As luck would have it, the last time I saw her was skiing in the Gatineau with Elsie perhaps 15 years ago, by then, I had my wife and daughter with me, so the circle of life felt completed as I was able to introuce her to them both. Vivian. Vivacious, blonde and kind.
Vivian was a beautiful, active ,creative lady . As a young teenager I babysitter James and Sandra. I always admired the fun loving “ THOMPSON’s”.
As an adult I enjoyed working at the St. Andrews Autumn Bazaar with Vivian. Vivian is now with all those we hold in our hearts.
My prayers are with her children, grandchildren and ,any friends.