Alma Vivian O’Donnell, 91, of 960 First St. E., passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Vivian was born Jan. 26, 1925 in Bergland, Ont. to the late Ted and Annie Oien.
She grew up in Stratton, Ont.,moved to Fort Frances for high school, and then relocated for a short time to St. Paul, Mn.
With her girlfriends, Vivian then moved to Seattle, Wash., where she worked for three years before moving on to Hollywood Cali., working for Price and Stern TV/Radio.
Relocating again to New York City, she worked for the Damon Runyon Fund for cancer research in an office at the Hotel Astor on Times Square.
After moving back to Fort Frances, she was united in marriage in 1954 to Vernon Black O’Donnell and together they raised their three children.
After working 25 years as the executive secretary for the director of education with the Rainy River District School Board, Vivian retired at age 65.
Vivian enjoyed travelling, working in her garden, painting, and writing poetry. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, at numerous festivities and celebrations; her favourite times were “Darren’s fish frys!”
She was a long-time Bridge player and a very active member in the community, participating in organizations such as Toastmasters, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, the Fort Frances Good Neighbours Council, the Fort Frances Horticultural Club, and the Canadian Mental Health Association, to name a few.
Vivian always was up on current affairs and her perspectives as the family matriarch always were respected. Vivian saw the beauty in every day, and was grateful for her long and enriched life.
She will be greatly missed.
Vivian was predeceased by her son, Shawn Philip O’Donnell and Vernon Black O’Donnell; brothers, Ken Oien (Helen) and Noel Oien; and sisters, Bernice Salchert (Ted) and Gladys (Dr. Dan Bigelow).
Vivian is survived by her son, Darren O’Donnell (Dana) of Fort Frances, Ont. and her daughter, Lisbeth Lippert (David) of Waterloo Ont.; grandchildren, Whitney and Hailey O’Donnell, Justin Sanders (Melissa), Carolyn Kilimnik (Ian), and Tristen, Jackson, Zephy, and Dawson Lippert, and Victoria Briere (Alex); and newborn great-grandchild, Adalyn Lisbeth Briere.
She also is survived by her sisters, Eileen (Alvin) Alexander, Evelyn (Gene) St. John, and June (Rea) Robinson; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate Vivian’s life will be held Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Barbara Miller officiating.
Luncheon to follow.
Interment will take place at a later date.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
ALMA VIVIAN O’DONNELL
