Vivian Mae Dergousoff

It is with immensely deep sadness that the family of Vivian Mae Dergousoff announces her untimely passing at the Ottawa General Hospital on May 5, 2023, at the age of 68.  Vivian passed away peacefully with her spouse at her side.

She was predeceased by her mother, Anne P. Dergousoff in February 2019, and her father Lorne J. Dergousoff in November 2018.

Left to mourn her passing are her beloved spouse, Norbert Haché; her sisters Elaine (Lawrence Kalmakoff) of Ottawa and their daughter Sheena Bond and her family; Jean (Laurence Stanbury) of Saskatoon and their children, Allison Yaschuk, April Brown and Lindsay Stanbury and their families; her brother John Dergousoff of Saskatoon; and many cousins and friends.  She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Vivian was born with an artistic flair.  She created many beautiful watercolour paintings and also worked with acrylics, oils, mixed media, and pen & ink.  Her skills in calligraphy were admirable.  A collection of her paintings was featured in an exhibition at an art gallery in Gatineau, Quebec.  Vivian showed and sold her paintings primarily in the Ottawa area and also produced commissioned work.

Vivian was a thoughtful, compassionate, and caring person who deeply valued her family and friends. Her love and appreciation of art, beauty and nature sustained her and formed an integral part of her heart and soul throughout her life. She was a thinker and seeker of knowledge, but alongside her contemplative nature, Vivian had a zest for life and loved to socialize. She enjoyed dancing and singing, attending concerts, art and cultural events, and having a good time at gatherings surrounded by friends and family. 

Vivian was born in Canora Saskatchewan on May 3, 1955, and spent her childhood years on the family farm outside of Canora.  Her education began at Phoenix School, a one-room rural schoolhouse and continued in town.  She graduated from Canora Composite High School in 1973.  Vivian completed her formal education at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and graduated in 1977 earning a Bachelor of Arts double honours degree with majors in art history and Russian/Slavic studies.  She also received a scholarship to go on a tour to Russia to explore the artistic and cultural aspects of the country.

After her return from the tour, Vivian worked as a cosmetic consultant for Merle Norman where her attention to detail and her artistry proved invaluable.  She also did parttime modelling for a local furrier.

In 1979, she moved to Regina to work within the Arts and Multiculturalism Branch of Saskatchewan Culture and Recreation. She thoroughly enjoyed her work as it coincided with her passion for art and culture.  For the ten years, from 1979 to 1989, that she was with the department, she had a wide range of responsibilities.  She was an arts consultant, grants administrator and international project coordinator. Her work included resident artist programs, visual, literary and performing arts projects and programs and multi-cultural events and international exchanges. 

Vivian returned to Saskatoon in 1989 and worked at Burlington Art & Drafting where she was also able to give private art lessons.  In 1990, she moved to Ottawa and continued painting and exhibiting her art as well as working for a graphics art and display business.  From 1992 to 1997, her skills were needed and welcomed at the Department of National Defense headquarters as an administrative assistant.  It was there that she met her future spouse, Norbert.  Although they were from two completely different backgrounds, their strengths and personalities complemented each other.  They quickly embarked on a partnership of love and support that endured for 31 years, through sickness and health and all of life’s joys and challenges.

In 1997, Vivian decided to work from home as a Weekender Fashion Consultant.  This provided her with the flexibility to deal with the onset of some health issues and to tend to their beautiful garden.  When her health challenges began to mount in 2005, she still was determined to carry on in whatever way she could with hope, courage and sheer will power.  She was a fighter to the very end.

We were fortunate to have her in our lives and our hearts will always be filled with love and all the precious memories she left behind.  May she rest in peace and comfort until we meet again.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Chris Courchesne for his dedicated friendship and selfless help and support during Vivian’s last few months.  We would also like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the health care staff at the Ottawa General Hospital for the comfort and care they provided towards the end of her difficult journey.  We are very grateful to everyone who sent messages, cards, flowers and helped to pass on information.

A celebration of life in Vivian’s honour will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Avenue) on Tuesday June 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm.  A private inurnment will be held in the Hosta Garden section of the Beechwood National Cemetery of Canada on June 29, 2023, at 2:00 pm.