Vivian Lamarre English

Our beloved mother, Vivian L. English, 89, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in Massachusetts. Born on June 27, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the youngest of three children and the youngest daughter of the late Felix and Anna (Desrochers) Lamarre. Mom expressed how lucky she was to have had such wonderful parents during one of her last conversations before she left this world to join them.
She is survived by her three children: Sharon Hebrok and her husband Matthias of Munich, Germany, Patricia English-Sand and her husband Stephen of Lincoln, MA, and Sean English and his wife Janet of Woodstock, CT. Mom also leaves behind her cherished sister, Violet Strange, six beloved grandchildren, Alexander Hebrok of Munich Germany and Billie Hebrok of Berlin, Germany along with Shane, Raymond, Michael and Adam English of Connecticut. Mom was blessed with the love of her nieces and nephews, including Michael Strange and his partner Paul Goodin of Delaware, James Strange and his partner Claudia of Canton, Kathleen Dolen and her husband Michael of Ellington, Jenna Grimaldi and her partner Brett of Derry, NH. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the Strange family for their lifelong love, support and generosity to our mom, as well as to her close friends and in-laws who cherished time with her and loved to listen to her stories.
Mom grew up in West Hartford, CT, enjoying sports and the wonderful family life her parents created. She graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in West Hartford, CT and continued her education at Mount Saint Mary College in New Hampshire, earning her bachelor's degree. Following her life-long calling to help and mentor others, she went on to become a first-grade teacher, only leaving this position to raise her three children. She later continued her career at Liberty Mutual insurance company. She was a long-time resident of Berlin, CT, where she lived for 60 years before her recent move to Pine Knoll Nursing Center in Lexington, MA.
Mom will be remembered as a sweet, loving, and caring woman. She had a gift of connecting with people and striking up a conversation with almost anyone. Mom had a ready wit, a warm spirit, and a joyous demeanor that shone through, even when trying to bridge the language barrier between her and the parents of her son in law. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. One of her favorite things was hearing all about the adventures of her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. She treasured family time, especially summers at the beach, holidays with loved ones, and was a devoted Catholic whose faith guided her throughout her life.
One of mom's favorite idioms was, Many Hands Make Light Work. This reflected her practical sense to get things done, and her very social and collaborative nature. Mom, your work is done, you no longer have to carry any load, you made a difference, you mattered, you were loved.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy Church, West Hartford, 1116 North Main St., West Hartford. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Mom's family is grateful to the staff at Pine Knoll Nursing Center for their care and attention, and for making sure mom received her daily ice cream. Donations in Vivian's memory may be made to Pine Knoll Nursing Center, Activities Department, where mom was an avid bingo and card player: Pine Knoll Nursing Center, 30 Watertown St. Lexington, MA 02421.