Vivian Ashbacher

Vivian P. Ashbacher VIRGINIA BEACH - Vivian Polodna Ashbacher, 85, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital after suffering a severe stroke while working in her beloved garden. A Certified Master Gardener and retired educator, she spent most of her teaching career at Plaza Elementary School in Virginia Beach. A native of Prairie du Chien, Wis., she was a 1942 graduate of Prairie du Chien High School and a 1971 graduate of Old Dominion University. Vivian married Raymond W. Ashbacher on Feb. 16, 1946, and traveled with him to numerous duty stations overseas and in the United States during his 27- year Navy career. After Raymond's retirement from the Navy, she pursued her bachelor's degree in education. Following her retirement from the Virginia Beach Public Schools, Vivian's love of nature was reflected in her certification as a Master Gardener. She accrued more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service, concentrated primarily at the Virginia Tech Research Station Trial Garden. She was also an avid home gardener who practiced organic gardening for more than 40 years. She was a longtime member and past president of the Lake Smith Terrace Garden Club. Vivian's other interests included stitchery, specializing in samplers, for which she received numerous awards. She served as treasurer of the Tidewater Sampler Guild for many years and also worked as a volunteer at the Sentara Bayside Hospital gift shop. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and delighted in nature, watching new plants grow, gazing out on the lake behind her home, walking woodland trails, and feeding wildlife. Vivian is survived by her husband of 63 years, Raymond W. Ashbacher; two daughters, M. Beth Curtis and her husband Robert of Lemont, Ill., and Lynn A. Teufel and her husband Robert of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren, Rebecca B. Gomez, Kristen L. Teufel and Adam R. Teufel; and a brother, Carrol G. Polodna of Prairie du Chien, Wis. A viewing will be held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, 1457 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455 on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in honor of Vivian to the Virginia Beach Master Gardeners Association (VBMGA), c/o Eileen Walsh, treasurer, 3612 Manchester Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Condolences may be offered to the family at www. hollomon- brown.com.