Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1921

DIED

2020

Vivian Christiansen Obituary

Beloved by family and friends, Vivian Marie Ewart Christiansen, 99 years old, passed away June 30 at St John's Nursing Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Vivian was born May 13, 1921, in Chugwater, Wyoming, to Harry and Bertha Massoth Ewart. Vivian grew up on a farm during the Depression Era near Chugwater, where she learned the value of hard work, making sacrifices and, above all else, the importance of family.
She graduated from Chugwater High School in 1939 as the salutatorian. Vivian then attended Grand Island Business College, Grand Island, Nebraska. Upon graduation in 1941 from Grand Island Business College, she worked in Washington, D.C. for several years supporting World War II efforts.
Her love of Wyoming brought her back to Pinedale, Wyoming, where she worked for the Bureau of Land Management. In 1946, Vivian married Jack Christiansen in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Jack attended the University of Nebraska on the GI Bill. They were Kimball residents from 1957 to 1972, at which time they relocated to Brighton, which was her home until 2017.
Shortly after arriving in Brighton, Vivian became the secretary for the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce. Business leaders got to know Vivian well as she traveled throughout Brighton in her red Cadillac with her VIVIAN license plate and her red hat. They soon learned she had an infectious smile and an enthusiasm for the community she served.
Vivian and Jack were avid square dancers and traveled the northeastern Colorado and western Nebraska area to dances with close friends. Following her retirement from the chamber of commerce in 1986, Vivian spent a great deal of her time bringing friends together to play bridge and visiting her daughter and granddaughters in San Francisco. She was an active member of St Augustine Catholic Church.
In 2017 Vivian relocated to Fort Lauderdale. Vivian set an example for her grandchildren about life's most important lessons; strive for excellence, be grateful for each day, take advantage of every opportunity you can to grow and to love unconditionally.
Survivors include her two children; daughter, Monica, of Fort Lauderdale, and her son, Mark of Denver; three grandchildren, Linsi and Julia, of Fort Lauderdale, and Reece of Denver; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Christiansen, of Kimball; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, her beloved husband of 60 years, Jack, and her brother James Ewart, preceded her in death.
Private services will be at a later date.

Published by Commerce City Sentinel Express from Sep. 15 to Oct. 15, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Vivian Christiansen

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Longtime friend, roomed with her when we traveled for Chamber functions and later delivered her medications while she was Inglenook. Lost touch when she went to be with Monica. Sorry to hear of her passing, always in my thoughts and wondered where she settled. We always had a good time. Condolences Monica and Sparky and family! By the way we we both Big Red fans especially since I was born and raised there until coming to Brighton in 1955.

Kay Gerhardt

Friend

September 17, 2020

What a special lady! If one ever had the opportunity to meet or work with Vivian they would never forget her loyalty and dedication to the Brighton Chamber and her love of Brighton-and the Nebraska Cornhuskers!! Monica and Sparky - she was so proud of all of your accomplishments - I'll miss 'my secretary'...rest in peace sweet Viv!

Harold Snyder
CEO Brighton Chamber of Commerce
1977 - 1983

Harold Snyder

Coworker

September 10, 2020

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Vivian Christiansen's name

Memorial Events
for Vivian Christiansen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Vivian's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Vivian Christiansen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more