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Vivian Leavitt Obituary
Born on November 5, 1942, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Vivian lived a life enriched by laughter, love, and an insatiable curiosity about the people she met and the places she called home. Her journey took her from Virginia to California, Hawaii, Bermuda, and finally South Carolina.
Vivian was a devoted military wife to her husband of 47 years, Commander Richard C. Leavitt Jr., USN, who predeceased her in 2014. He was the love of her life and often called her "the wind beneath his wings," a sentiment that reflected their deep partnership. Together, they built a life filled with shared adventures and mutual respect.
A registered nurse by profession and an accomplished artist by passion, Vivian excelled in stained glass, sculpture, painting, and pottery. She also dedicated herself to volunteering throughout her life, contributing her time and talents to hospitals and art leagues wherever she lived. A proud Democrat and a lifelong advocate for giving back to her community, she set an inspiring example for those around her.
Vivian cherished her idyllic childhood in Portsmouth, where weekends were spent at the beach swimming and crabbing or enjoying drive-in movies. Despite being a lifelong sufferer of Crohn's disease, she embraced life with gratitude and optimism, famously saying, "I've always chosen to be happy and thankful for my blessings rather than dwell on my problems."
She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Anne Leavitt of Alexandria, Virginia; her siblings David Kennedy (Sara) of Manassas, Virginia; Fred G. Kennedy Jr. (Claudette) of Niceville, Alabama; and Sandra Powell (Donald) of Melbourne, Florida.
A celebration of Vivian's life will be held at her home in Myrtle Beach on Friday, January 24, 2025. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Vivian's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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