Vivien Gardner Hannon

 

Under the bright full moon of January 12, 2017, Vivien Gardner Hannon died peacefully at home with her daughters by her side.  

Vivien is survived by three children and their spouses:  Bruce and Jane Hannon of Steamboat Springs, CO, Elizabeth and Thomas Reichard of Ipswich, and Christine Hannon of Northampton; grand-children Sean Hannon, Matthew Hannon, Christopher Reichard, Ann Hannigan and Sarah Macek and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Her husband John W. Hannon, Jr, brothers Robert L. Gardner and George G. Gardner, and several nieces and nephews predeceased her.

Vivien lived a full and active life.  She was born on October 12, 1920 in Irondequoit, NY, to Marion Gunson Gardner and George Liddell Gardner.  Vivien attended St Lawrence University (BA, 1943) where she met her husband, John (BA, 1944).  They married in July 1944 when John had a short leave from the Air Force and settled in New Jersey. Vivien played tennis and bridge regularly and was honored with a lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts for serving as troop leader, council member and more.  She was an avid reader and knitter, casual piano player and wonderful singer.

In retirement, Vivien and John moved to Seven Lakes, NC, with old friends nearby and golf year round. After John’s death, Viv moved to Boulder, CO, close to her son, three grandsons and four great grandchildren.  In 2014, Vivien moved to Ipswich to be near her daughters, granddaughters and four more great grandchildren. At the Residence at Riverbend, Vivien was known for faithfully attending exercise classes, taking daily walks and challenging anyone to a game of pool.

From age 15 on, Vivien was devoted to Cache Lake in Algonquin Park.  As a camper then counselor at Northway Lodge, she relished the simplicity of camp life and canoe tripping throughout the Park.   Vivien and family vacationed on the lake for many summers before she acquired her own cabin – with no electricity or running water – where she stayed for several months every summer thereafter.  Even last summer she still swam and rowed her boat around the island every day.   Vivien instilled her great love of Cache Lake and its close-knit community in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A woman ahead of her time, Vivien’s devotion to exercise, healthy eating, alternative therapies and the outdoors inspired many generations.  Her wide circle of family and friends will miss her curious, generous and determined spirit.  Memorial contributions may be sent to:

The Friends of Algonquin Park
Box 248
Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0 Canada

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/foap/donate/in-memorial.php