Vivian Louise Viland

Vivian Louise Viland, nee Anderson, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Alden Poplar Creek in Hoffman Estates, IL, on December 30, 2017, at the age of 92.  Vivian was born May 21, 1925 in Streator, IL, the second child of Elmer and Gladys Anderson. She graduated from Streator High School in 1943 and was employed for a time at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Vivian was an accomplished pianist, having taken lessons from Louise Castelli, who presented Vivian in a solo recital at the First Baptist Church in Streator in June, 1943.

During the war, she became a pen pal with Donald Viland, from Pipestone, Minnesota, who served with her brother Clifford in the Marines. The romance blossomed and following the war she and Don were married on June 1, 1946, at First Baptist church in Streator. They settled in Streator and soon welcomed two additions to their family: Donald in 1947 and Tara in 1950.

Vivian had a lifelong love of music and served for many years as pianist, organist, and accompanist at the Baptist church in Streator, gave piano lessons in her home, and gave of her talent to high school and community musicals.   Her home was one of the primary gathering places for her children’s friends and she always welcomed them with support and generosity. Vivian served as playground supervisor at the local grade school and she and her family were long-time season ticket holders for Streator High School athletics. Vivian enjoyed gardening, traveling (especially to visit lighthouses), fishing in Branson, MO and Minnesota, crafting, and Scrabble (where she was very competitive). Following Don’s retirement, Vivian and Don moved to the Schaumburg area to be closer to family (and to Chicago sports, especially the Cubs). Remarkably, she worked part time at the fitness center at Village in The Park Apartments in Schaumburg until age 90.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Cliff, and Don, her beloved husband of 58 years.  Vivian is survived by her devoted son, Donald (Connie) Viland of Marshall, MI, and daughter, Tara (Craig) McCormick of Schaumburg, IL; her grandchildren Rob (Niki) Viland of Kalamazoo, MI, Heather (Tony) Weberling of Marshall, MI, Heidi (Brian) Weberling of Marshall, MI, Matthew (Pattie) McCormick of Lakemoor, IL, and Michael (Christina) McCormick of Redondo Beach, CA.; and great-grandchildren Abby, Madeline, Jonathan, T.J., Jesse, Maddy, Emily, Kameron, Charlotte, Lauren, Lilian, and Adam.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Region 3B Area Agency on Aging,Suite 102, 200 West Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI  49017

or to Church on the Rock, 17N230 Manning Road, Huntley, IL 60142 or at cotrag.orgShe is greatly missed by those whose life she touched.  

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