Vivian Therese Franjieh

Vivian Therese Franjieh (nee Assile) of San Rafael, California, peacefully passed away at home on September 12, 2025, after her courageous battle with ALS. She was 74 years young.

Vivian was born on October 20th, 1950, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Odette and Elias Assile. For the first decade of her life, Vivian and her older brother, Ed, spent much of their time in the DR. Growing up in a vibrant and loving bilingual household allowed Vivian the opportunity to easily make friends and bring joy to those around her.

In the fourth grade, the Assile family moved to Brooklyn, New York where Vivian attended St. Ephrem Catholic Academy for grade school, and Fontbonne Hall Academy for high school. During her time in high school, she was a cheerleader for the basketball team and was known for having a warm, kind, and genuine personality to all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Upon graduation, she worked for a couple years as a secretary in the technology division at RCA in Rockefeller Center.

Vivian shared a special bond with her younger brothers, Michael and Bobby, whom she helped raise. She cherished every single moment they spent together and was a fantastic role model to them. Her calming and caring personality, love for baking, and selfless nature were a constant source of inspiration to her brothers.

In the 1970s, while on vacation in California, Vivian left her heart in San Francisco when she married her husband, Maurice. In 1986, they opened Louie's Deli in Sausalito. This is where Vivian's creativity in the kitchen truly blossomed. For more than 34 years, customers not only admired her food, but cherished Vivian's generosity to everyone who walked through the door. Her food won multiple awards at the Marin County Fair with her famous chocolate chip cookies being a delight shared by many.

Vivian is predeceased by her husband, Maurice; eldest son, Joseph; father, Elias; and mother, Odette. She is survived by her loving son, Paul (Kalynn), and devoted daughter, Judy (Dice); four adored grandchildren, Karson, Camden, Aya, and Zara; and three beloved brothers, Ed (Arlene), Michael (Hala), and Bobby (Susan).

A mass will be celebrated at St. Vincent's Church, 1 St. Vincent's Dr., San Rafael, CA, 94903, on November 28th, 2025, at 11:00 am where she was an active member for over 35 years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating and/or participating to Team Vivian at the 21st Annual Napa Valley Ride, Walk, and Roll to Cure ALS on September 27th, 2025, or the ALS Network.