Vivian Restau passed away August 16, 2014. Vivian is lovingly survived by her husband Kenneth Restau; daughters Lynn Restau (Curtis McCarron) and Cheryl (Sean) Unrau; grandchildren Owen and Noah Unrau; Fur-babies Harley, Bella and Wheeler; parents George and Beatrice Paice; and brother Richard Paice.

Vivian was born to George and Beatrice Paice in Whitewood, Saskatchewan on April 25, 1950. She was raised in Willowdale R.M. and attended Deerwood and Whitewood schools. She attended Marvelle College in Melville where she learned the basic skills she shared with so many people in the area. Her business was a part of her social life, and her clients became beloved friends. She had a passion for her business, took great pride in being available to them at odd times and, I’m sure some of you know, in some very original places.

She married Kenneth Restau in August 1975 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wapella. They built their family home only a mile and a half from her family home. To this union were born two daughters. Lynn in 1978 and Cheryl in 1979 were her pride and joy. She loved when the girls came home with their friends. Those were the times when she had the houseful of children she loved so much. There were few conversations with Vivian that didn’t include updates on Lynn and Cheryl’s lives and accomplishments. Her world revolved around them and their activities. Thank goodness she didn’t have boys…she’d have been that psycho hockey mom at the rink. She could get pretty worked up in the stands at the ball field.

Sean and Curtis were her “boys”. Curtis was the “character” who could always get a rise out of “Mom”. Laughter and quips prevailed when they were in a room together. Sean was the Mr. Fix-It. No job was too large or too small when it came to taking care of his other mom. Pride shone in her face when she talked about her four kids…and she did consider them all her kids.

In 2005 Vivian became a grandma. Owen was a miracle to her, and a new chapter began in Vivian’s life. In 2007 younger brother Noah was born. Each milestone and accomplishment was a highlight in her life. Being “Nana” was a joy every minute of every day.

In her life there were many things Vivian enjoyed. She loved to garden. Putting up her vegetables was a joy, and she loved to share her bounty. Flowers were gifts from above. Playing cards and fishing were made more special when shared with friends and family. Music was always close to her heart; hearing a new artist was like opening a window. Vivian was known for being a “straight shooter”. A conversation with her might set you straight, but she was just as ready to hear about her own faults. Forgiveness was a gift Vivian knew the value of.

In November 2011 Vivian was told she had cancer. She went for what she thought was gall bladder surgery and was told the she was actually dealing with stage 4 cancer. Over the past two years and eight months Vivian fought a valiant fight with dignity. She got her courage from the people around her and gave back to them in every way she could. She took her new “job” of encouraging other cancer sufferers very seriously. God was her rock, and her faith was as much a part of her as breathing. Prayer was the answer to problems big and small. On Saturday, August 16, Vivian lost her battle with cancer with her girls at her side. While we will miss her presence here with us, we rejoice in her homecoming.

Blessed be her memory to us all.