August 9, 1952 - January 21, 2020
(born: Aug. 9, 1952, Comox B.C., died January 21, 2020 Kamlooops, B.C.) It is with great sadness that I finally announce the passing of my sister Vivian, after a year long struggle with cancer. Viv was diagnosed at the end of December of 2018 with acute myeloid leukemia. She was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital's Leukemia ward in January 2019, and became an outpatient in March.
Though, I'm sure the staff did everything they could for her, they just couldn't seem to get on top of it. A bone marrow transplant in June was unsuccessful. Viv went home to Kamloops in early September, and lived her life the best she could. She passed quietly in hospice in January 2020 with myself, and her two sons by her side.
Viv is predeceased by our parents Byrl Marano (Oct. 20, 2012) and Pete Marano (Nov. 1, 2012). She is survived by myself, Gord, her brother and sister-in-law Sharon, niece Rita Marano, sons Thomas and Phillip, and cousins Anne Preston, Nancy, Liana, Nello, and Abagail Marano, Gordon Clozza, and Louise Ball (Clozza)
Viv had a bit of an unsettled life. Leaving Courtenay in 1970 she moved to Victoria where she remained for 7 years. She then moved to Langley and worked in Vancouver for the Superintendent of Brokers for several years. Still unsatisfied, she then packed up and headed for Prince George, where she met and married her estranged husband, Pierre. After several years and one child, Thomas, the couple decided to move to Kamloops, where they finally settled permanently and child #2, Phillip, came along.
After parting ways with her husband, life wasn't easy for Viv. But she worked hard to provide for the boys and keep her house where she thoroughly enjoyed gardening and just being at home. Viv was quiet by nature, and led a quiet life, working and raising her boys and really liking warmth and sunshine when it came along. She was never much for the cold!
Viv's final wishes were not to have a large funeral. The state of things in 2020 made that pretty much impossible anyways. Her ashes were spread, along with our parents, at Point Holmes, Comox.
At this point, a heartfelt thank you must go out to all the ladies at the G.P. Vanier 50th grad reunion in June 2019 that reached out to Viv on the night of the reunion. Thanks girls!! I know she really appreciated it.
Finally, I would like to thank the doctors and staff of Vancouver General Hospital's Leukemia ward for their hard work and efforts. I'm sure it's not an easy thing to go to work every day knowing that the people you are trying your best to help have only a 50/50 chance at survival. Your commitment, courage and work ethic are unparalleled.
R.I.P. Viv