Obituary of Vivian Simonson

Vivian Levina Simonson passed away quietly and peacefully at her home of the last few years; Birch Cottage in the Bethany Care Centre in Camrose, on August 5, 2013 at the age of 93 years. Vivian was born in Kingman, Alberta on March 19, 1920 to Thor and Merit Horte. "Viv", as she was known by her family and friends trained and worked as a hairdresser/beautician in the early 1940's in Camrose with a girlfriend. After some anxious times during the war when Cliff, her husband to be, was shot down and imprisoned as a P.O.W. in Europe; she was married to Cliff (Simonson) in June of 1945, after his return. Viv and Cliff settled in Edmonton where he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and she as a hairdresser/beautician both part and full-time as needed and desired, and as a homemaker. Viv and Cliff raised a family of three boys in Edmonton and lived there until 1978. In his retirement years they moved back to an acreage in the Kingman area. Viv was of strong faith and a dedicated volunteer. She was very social and gave freely of her time to the Evangelical Lutheran Women, The Bethany Ladies Auxillary, the Salem Lutheran Church and various Bible Studies, along with The Harmony Club. Viv also loved her role as Grandmother and the many great times she and Cliff shared with Ashley and Arron on the acreage at Kingman. In 1995, due to Cliff's health they moved into Camrose. After Cliff's passing in 1999, Viv moved into Deer Meadows and was part of the Bethany Facilities until her passing. Vivian was predeceased by her youngest son Dale in 1974; her husband Clfford in 1999; sisters Evelyn, Irene, and Gladys; infant brother Henry; and brothers Ronald and Vernon. She is survived by her loving sons Wayne and Terry; grandchildren Ashley and Arron and their mother Debbie Speer; four nephews and their families. Viv was dearly loved as mother, wife, and friend, and will be missed a great deal and very kindly and fondly remembered by relatives and friends of her long life in the Edmonton, Kingman, and Camrose area. A funeral service was held on Monday, August 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Rev. Norman Lentz officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Bardo Lutheran Cemetery, Tofield. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Bardo Lutheran Cemetery Fund (Tofield).