This would have been Vivian's big 60th birthday! She would have been a great help during this past pandemic year, as I'm sure she would have used her wits and experience and people skills to keep all of us sane and connected. She would have been so proud to see how her daughters have flourished and entered into exciting phases of their lives where they are making a difference in the lives of many people.

It’s been four years since Viv left, and we think about her this holiday season and how much she did to make her family and friends enjoy the celebration of Christmas.
Wish you were here, Viv, to help us decorate the tree.

I had the great fortune to be a friend of Vivian's. Of course, Vivian made everyone feel like a good friend. We were in the MBA program at UMD together. Everyone loved Vivian and her smile and laugh would always pick you up when you were tired from studying. We both went to work for Boise Cascade after graduating. Vivian and I stayed in touch through the years and we shared our experiences - kids, work, life. I miss her smile, her laugh and her energy. She gave so much of herself to everyone around her. To me she was always a true friend. If there was anyone who demonstrated Christian values it was her. She was, and remains an inspiration to me.

My deepest sympathy to the Appelt family and extended friends. Sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful mother and friend. And a god fearing woman and generous person. In this time of need I hope that this kind thought will bring you a measure of comfort. Someone shared it with me when I loss my nephew at a very young age suddenly. They the fulfillment of Revelation 21:3,4 what it would be like.Then those who are in the grave as John 5:28, 29 says "they shall hear his voice"- "that they have done good, unto the ressurection of life". What a wonderfu time for all. I hope that it brings you a measure comfort that it brought me.

To many, Vivian was more than just a friend she was a best friend. How could it be that so many considered this one woman to be their closest friend? As Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Vivian made everyone feel special. No visit with Vivian was complete without her expressing concern for and interest in others (many of whom I had the honor of meeting for the first time at Vivian’s bedside).

But that’s not to say I will ever forget all she did for my family and me. I could always count on Vivian’s help with anything. In fact, when we realized last minute that a college scholarship application for my son had to be postmarked the very day that I was out of town, Vivian and Tori raced to the post office and dropped it in the mail for us. She sent me a picture of Tori depositing it in the mailbox as confirmation. And, after making pulled pork for church events, she was always sure to share with us whatever she had left over. What’s more, using that unforgettable white Odyssey minivan, she helped me transport my son’s entire new bedroom set from the store to our house. Oftentimes, when shopping at Sam’s Club, she texted me asking me what I needed, and personally delivered it on the way home. The list goes on and on.

Then there was the advice and offers to help; much of it dispensed as she was running backwards toward her van: “Keep track of Blake’s service hours – you will need that for college applications,” “Don’t overpay to have that tree removed – I know a guy,” and “I can watch your dog while you’re out of town.”

I will miss Vivian and cruising in the white van, her fried rice, her Maryland apparel, saying goodbye for three hours in the driveway after an evening out, Chinese New Years, her pulled pork, her smile, her laughter, her inclusiveness, her energy, her concern, her thoughtfulness, her enthusiasm, her curiosity, her friendship and so much more.

We are the distance cousins of Vivian. It was so sad to learn her sudden passing. Reading the many tributes of her reminds us the beautiful little girl that we knew and miss terribly. Please convey our deepest sympathies to her family.

Vivian's oldest daughter — Becca — wrote a lovely tribute to her mom on the blog she's keeping as she spends a semester abroad in Australia.

http://beccafindsnemo.blogspot.com/2014/09/i-got-it-from-my-momma.html

Sending sincere sympathy on Vivian's death. We saw her at many sporting events and it brought a smile to our faces. We were glad that our daughter and grandchildren had such wonderful loving people in their lives. We are sad too. Parent of Sarah Angotti, Pat and Gary Cordes

Here's the slideshow link from her memorial service:

http://animoto.com/play/K9HLbGt3WRWbUoUTBD4g3w

Vivian was an amazing person. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for those she loved. I am grateful for the times we spent together. She always found a way to smile and that smile was a beacon of light to those around her. Much love to Becca, Tori and the Wong family.

Viv was an extremely special person with a bigger laugh and heart. The most meaningful times we spent with her and the girls was every fourth of July watching the fireworks for the past 20 years. I can still hear Viv laughing as our chairs were touching in the darkness watching the magnificence transform in the sky this past July. That is the feeling I will bring to my heart every fourth of July from this day forward. May the beauty of the colors exploding in the sky, the awesomeness of the sound and the joy that fireworks bring so many, remind us of the beauty, the awesomeness and the joy that Viv shared with all of us. Becca and Tori, we love you! Lynn, Morris, Jamie and Kelly Minuskin

Vivian was one of the most wonderful women I've ever met.
Her bright smile, infectious laugh and always kind-hearted
approach to everyone made all near her feel welcome and loved.
Her dedication to her family was one of her greatest gifts,
which I know inspired all of us who were privileged to be her
friends. We all miss you dearly, Vivian, but we know you are
in heaven being embraced by God!