Vivien Elizabeth Kilner

I attended the funeral viz zoom today. Thank you for making it possible for me to attend. I do not drive to DC anymore. You captured Vivian's kind and loving nature precisely and reminded me of my good times with her. She was, indeed, an amazing friend to many people.

I met Vivien as a member at Western Presbyterian Church in WDC. Imagine my surprise when I learned we were both born in Batavia, NY-small world! I always enjoyed it when we ushered together at Western. She was a joy to be with.

It has been an honor to be a friend of Vivien's for the past 25 years+. So many wonderful 4th of July celebrations on the roof at Potomac Plaza, so many great bike rides down the Mt. Vernon Trail, an unforgettable month-long trip to New Zealand to celebrate her 70th birthday. Lots of great memories, I will miss her always.

Vivien was a person I admired both professionally and personally. We worked together for several years and after she retired, I enjoyed bike riding with her on occasion, Christmas holiday shopping together, or just hanging out on occasion. It was always a special time for me when Viv and I had a chance to get together to create some memories. I know she will be missed by many.

I am so grateful to have had 50 something years with my lovely, extroverted, caring, fun loving, mom. I miss her deeply.

The obituary describes perfectly the woman I first met in 1967 as the spouse of a new faculty member at Carleton College - vibrant, energetic, positive, warm, and adventurous. I can honestly say that I have never known anyone else with such an abundance of those attributes.
She rapidly made many friends who benefited from her faculty dinners with great food, company and the contagious enthusiasm of Vivian. A couple of gatherings at her house are particularly vivid. The birthday parties she had for Heather and Scot produced a room full of happy, delighted children with activities/games orchestrated by Vivien - I can still hear their squeals of delight.
The second is more personal. I was 2 weeks late in my pregnancy and rather "down" when we were invited to dinner. As usual we had a delightful evening, and apparently I relaxed - a few hours later I went into labor. I always thanked Vivien for that "therapeutic" dinner.
We were fortunate to be able to visit her in Beld; her ability to adapt and thrive in such a different environment was quite remarkable. She packed a lot into her life to the benefit of those around her.
Heather and Scot, and your families, I am sorry for your loss and hope that the wonderful memories are some comfort to you. She was a real treasure.

What a fantastic and exciting life you lived dear friend... I was honored to be a bike buddy of yours and also of course a fellow congregant at Western sharing many wonderful adventures together. That beautiful smile of yours could carry you anywhere...oh , that we all could have such a joyous countenance!
Joyce

I met Vivien in Ljubljana in February 1992, when we were both studying Slovenian. Although I soon moved to Koper (a city at the Slovenian sea side) and later back to Vienna (Austria) we kept in touch.
Vivien was a role model for me; I admired her independence, her courage to travel to faraway places, that she never retired and her endless curiosity in people, new countries and cultures.
We are very grateful that we have met Vivien and for every hour spent together.
Elisabeth Siencnik and the whole Siencnik family

The picture was taken in summer 1992, Vivien with my daughter Nathalie.

Although I didn´t meet Vivien until I moved to Washington in 2006, she soon became one of my closest friends. I admired her warm personality, her joie de vivre, and her commitment to the causes she believed in. I will miss her, as will all her many friends. She is lighting up heaven with her joyous spirit and beautiful smile.

My thoughts are with Viv's loved ones.
I live in Potomac Plaza and knew Viv as a neighbor I was always glad to see. My husband and I enjoyed a lovely, lively dinner in that dramatic black and white space described in her story.
The pictures truly capture her exuberance. I've shared the obituary with our building and I hope to be at Western Presbyterian in October.

I too worked with Vivian in the JSTP State Dept career transition program. I´m so sorry to learn of her passing. I was so fond of Vivian - she was always such a beautiful, welcoming, inspiring and fun person! And always smiling!! My heartfelt condolences.

I so enjoyed working with Vivian as a colleague and fellow career counselor. I remember our last meeting at her apartment following
her final contract. Her kindness, generosity, style, and love of life
are a good example for all who knew her!

Gosh what a life your mother had! I worked with Vivian in the Job Search program at the Department of State. She always had a smile on her face and always enjoyed her life. Best, Joan Rooney

I struck gold in the mother-in-law department - incredibly grateful for so many years of special memories and unforgettable smiles. I learned so much from her and will always be inspired by her love of adventure. We love you and miss you, Viv!