VIVIAN GREENBERG

GREENBERG--Vivian. Vivian E. Greenberg passed away in Marin County, CA on October 29, 2021 at the age of 88. Vivian was the daughter of Arthur and Minnie Garfing, and born and raised in Trenton, NJ. She received her undergraduate degree from Douglass College and a Master's degree in political science from Columbia University. After raising three children from her first marriage to Albert Rosenthal and then helping to raise four more children with her second husband, Stanton Greenberg, Vivian had the drive and desire to go back to school to earn her Master's degree in social work from Bryn Mawr College - where she was 20 years older than most of her classmates. And what a long and distinguished career she had. Among her many accomplishments as a clinical social worker for over 35 years: she authored four books providing sound and helpful guidance on dealing with the needs and stresses of caring for aging parents; she wrote a monthly column for The Trenton Times offering practical and insightful advice for over ten years to thousands of readers in her wonderful "Grow Old Along With Me" pieces; she was a prominent lecturer and consultant, giving talks and leading workshops across the country and making many appearances on National Public Radio, public and local television, and even as a guest two times on the Oprah Winfrey Show; and through her private practice, she helped better the lives of countless clients and their families well into her 80s. Vivian also distinguished herself as an artist through her vibrant, impressionistic paintings of seacoasts, woods and fields, flowers and the overall beauty of nature, and painted right up until her final days. So many of her family and friends cherish that they have her paintings gracing their homes and bringing joy. But the most remarkable aspect of Vivian was her human spirit and sparkle, her warmth, enthusiasm, love of family and friends, and empathy for others, which was truly singular. She touched the lives of so many people in so many positive and lasting ways. It is not a cliche to say that the world is a dimmer place without her. She is survived by her three children, Robert (Emmanuelle) Rosenthal, Jill (Jay) Reitschmied and Bruce Rosenthal (Kim Masterson); her four stepchildren, William (Joyce) Greenberg, Susan (Allen) Feltman, Michael (Helene) Greenberg and Andrea (Michael) Keats; 14 grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; and her brother, Carl (Pat) Garfing. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to: Greenwood House, 53 Walter Street, Ewing, NJ 08628, Attention: Ms. Christine McCormick; or Homefront, 1880 Princeton Ave., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Attention: Ms. Meghan Cubano.