Vivien Donahue

Vivien Donahue, 84, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Even in her final hours, Vivien's deep faith and love of music shone brightly-she shared scripture and reflections with her caretaker, speaking of how the beauty of music affirmed the presence of God.
Vivien was born in New York City and moved to Miami as a young child, where her love of music began to blossom. She returned to New York during high school, graduated there, and began her professional journey. As a young adult, she worked in an administrative role at RCA Records, finding joy in the vibrant energy of the city and its musical heartbeat.
In 1974, Vivien relocated to Florida, where she and her husband, George Avadikian, lovingly raised their sons in Zephyrhills. Her passion for music continued as she performed in the Zephyrhills Follies during the 1980s, sharing her voice and spirit with the community. She also served as a bookkeeper at Zephyrhills High School and Pasco High School, contributing to the education system with diligence and care.
Vivien spent over 25 years as an interior designer at Ethan Allen in Brandon, Florida, where she received national recognition for her exceptional work. She especially loved helping clients decorate their homes in ways that reflected their unique personalities-transforming spaces into places of warmth, beauty, and belonging.
A woman of deep faith, Vivien was a longtime member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Dade City, Florida. She found daily joy and strength in reading her Bible, and her spiritual life was a guiding light throughout her journey. In her 80s, she continued to nurture her love of music by studying music theory at the University of Tampa-a reflection of her enduring curiosity and creative spirit.
Vivien is survived by her sons, Doug Avadikian of Daly City, California, and Michael Avadikian of Zephyrhills, Florida; her daughter-in-law, Teena Avadikian (wife of Michael); and her grandsons, Mike Avadikian II and Marc Avadikian. She was preceded in death by her former husband, George Avadikian; her great-grandson, Jace Avadikian; her parents, Francis and James Fay; her sister, Sheila Conversi; and her brother, James Fay.
Vivien's legacy lives on in the music she loved, the family she cherished, and the beauty she brought into the world through her work, faith, and spirit.
Celebration of Life Date & Time: Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 11:00 AM Location: St. Mary's Episcopal Church 37637 Magnolia Ave. Dade City, FL 33523
Memorial donations can be made to the Jace Strong Foundation (https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0U6S00000g3QaoUAE) To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vivien, please visit our floral store.