Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Grand Blanc, Michigan
SOWLE, Vivian Frances - Of Grand Blanc, age 88, died Monday, November 14, 2016.
A Memorial Service will be held 2pm Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint,
Reverend Tom Burdette officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.
Visitation 12 Noon Friday until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Vivian was born in Detroit on April 2, 1928, the daughter of John and Emily Cichy. She was a graduate of Michigan State University, where she met her husband Donald. They were married in 1949 and he preceded her in death in 2002. Vivian was a Social Worker for the State of Michigan. Later, she worked as an International Adoption Specialist with Bethany Christian Services for over 25 years, placing hundreds of children in happy homes. She always said she had the “the best job in the world”. Many of her families have kept in touch throughout the years. Vivian was a wonderful mother. She will be greatly missed.
Surviving are children, Christine (Carey) Scheberle, Barbara (Robert) Burdette, David Sowle, and Kathy (Rob) Cojeen;
Grandchildren, Daniel (Callie) Archuleta, Lydia (Jeff Porter) Archuleta, Colin (Beth) Clark, Paul (Justine) Burdette and Ross (Kim) Burdette;
Great-grandchildren, Julian, Mackinac and Riddley.
Vivian was also preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy.
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Miss her greatly. This time of the year brings back fond memories. Laughter,hugs,smiles and full bellies all around. She was a wonderful caring person and missed. To Chris, Barb, David and Kathy my heart felt sympathy to you. Love Wanda
Wanda Dunn
November 09, 2021
We were fortunate to have Vivian as our social worker in 1983-84, when we adopted our daughter, Lindsey, through Bethany, from South Korea. Vivian was just a dream; so supportive, non-judgmental, and understanding. I can only imagine the wonderful, loving person that Vivian was within her family. We are so sorry for your loss!
Diana Hagenau
November 20, 2016 | Palm Harbor, FL
Thought's and Prayer's for David and Family. Very Special Lady will be missed.
Keith Duby
November 19, 2016 | Lake Orion, MI
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Mrs. Vivian Sowle several years ago through her daughter Barb Burdette. A very nice, sweet and friendly woman. Possessed characteristics of an Angel. My support and prayers to the family and friends of Mrs. Vivian Sowle. Deb Milling!
Deborah Milling
November 19, 2016 | Mt. Morris, MI
We are so sorry for your loss. We were fortunate to have Vivian as our caseworker during our adoption of Tammy in 1983. She helped make the process go very smoothly. She also was very gracious in letting Tammy "interview" her for one of her college papers. We had a very nice visit with her.
We are sure she would have been pleased with the Memorial Service and Rev. Burdette's message. It was very special---Just like she was.
Keith-RuthAnn Jordan
November 19, 2016 | Flint, MI
Dear Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You will be in our hearts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
Love,
Wayne & Judy Custer and family.
Judy Custer
November 19, 2016 | Grand Blanc, MI
Vivian placed our two children with us from Korea in 1983 and 1986. How special that she did the follow up visits during that first year that were part of her job and then 17 years later came to our home as a guest for our son's graduation party. Paul and Diane Roetter
November 18, 2016
I am writing this from Seoul, South Korea on my way to visit our Korean birth mother. I so much would love to be there to celebrate Vivian's life with you in person but wanted to share my story for those that are interested.
She was our case worker when my biological sister, brother and I were adopted 42 years ago to a wonderful family in Flushing. 11 years ago when my wife and I wanted to adopt from Korea we went through the process and by divine initiative we were assigned to...
Keith Hall
November 18, 2016 | Lansing, MI
Kelsey family created by love.
Vivian was the caseworker for our forth and fifth adoptions. Although she didn't know our first three children when she first visited our home she included them in everything. After our adoptions were final and we would see her someplace she asked about all five of our kids. Unless you have adopted you can't realize the fear that you won't be approved as a family. When Vivian first come to our home she put you at ease quickly.she supported our local adoption club by attending meetings and...
Nancy Kelsey
November 18, 2016 | Flint, MI