Vivien Somerville

Somerville, Vivien Phyllis

1940-2021

Passed away peacefully in hospital, on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the age of 81.  Loving wife of 54 years to William “Bill” Somerville.  Cherished mother of Leslie (Erik Mcilhinney) and Scott (Valentina Pollon).  Proud grandmother of Matthew, Benjamin, Maya, Talia.  Vivien is predeceased by her brother Rodney Bennett.  She will be fondly remembered by her extended family and many friends.

Vivien was born in Southampton, England on 11 July 1940.  At the young age of 12 she emigrated with her family to Canada where they settled in Toronto.  Upon completion of high school at Royal York Collegiate in 1957, she went on to attend Toronto Teachers College, where she graduated at the age of 18 in 1958.

After graduation from teachers college, Vivien began teaching at the Perth Avenue Public School.  In 1965 she met Bill and after a whirlwind courtship full of laughter and excitement they married in 1967.  Early in their marriage, they moved to Edmonton in 1969 to follow work opportunities for Bill and moved again in 1974 to Winnipeg.  Bill and Vivien went on to spend the next 14 years in Winnipeg where Vivien gave up teaching and dedicated all of her time, love and commitment to her family, friends and the community in which she lived.   She was incredibly active in volunteering for many causes and was always willing to do anything needed to assist.  Vivien also committed over 20 years of her life volunteering with the Girl Guides of Canada.

In 1988, Vivien and her family relocated to Ottawa.  With both of her children attending university, she made the brave decision to return to teaching in 1989, and as part of that became certified as a Montessori teacher.  As part of Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, Vivien ran a Junior Elementary class for nearly 20 years before retiring.  During that period she had a profound impact on the lives of many of her young students (and their parents), where it was evident to all that she experienced true joy in all she did.

Vivien was a loyal friend but her greatest love was her family.  She was a proud mother to her two children, where regardless of the circumstances she always provided the love and support needed.  She was a doting grandmother to her four grandchildren, who were blessed to be the center of her attention and love.  Throughout the years she traveled all over the world and was known to enjoy the occasional glass of wine at the end of the day!  She was always the first to say she lived a blessed life.  She will be so fondly remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road (between Bayshore and Baseline Rd.) on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 3-7 p.m.  Due to the current COVID restrictions, pre-registration is required and can be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Vivien-Somerville or by calling 613-722-6559.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation.