Obituary of Vivian Irene Schmidt

Vivian Irene Schmidt passed away December 28, 2023, in Tacoma, Washington.  She was born March 18, 1951, to Bernard and Irene Schmidt in Buffalo Center, Iowa.  A 19-year resident of Olympia, Washington, she also resided in Bemidji, Minnesota; Kanawha, Iowa; and Woden, Iowa.

 

Vivian graduated from Woden-Crystal Lake Community School in May 1969, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1973 from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.  Professionally, she was a private caregiver in Olympia, an administrative assistant for Property Professionals in Bemidji and for The Bemidji Pioneer newspaper.  Vivian also did volunteer work at Olympia’s Providence Mother Joseph Care Center, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and Roosevelt Elementary.  She had a passion for serving her community and enjoyed helping in whatever way she could whether it was delivering flowers at the hospital, calling Bingo at the nursing home, or being a reading buddy for a young child.  Her volunteer work at Mother Joseph Care Center was recognized in 2014 and she received an award for “Outstanding Service to the Community” by the Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties and KGY Radio.

 

A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, Vivian was a thoughtful, friendly, and down-to-earth person.  She opened herself to others and accepted everyone for who they were no matter their background, class, race, or creed.  She had a kind, humble, and gentle spirit.  Vivian was generous and never expected anything in return from others.  She often put others needs and desires above her own.  She loved children and animals and had the utmost respect for the elderly. 

 

Vivian was light-hearted and loved to laugh.  She always brought joy to those around her, no matter where she was. She loved reading, music, playing the piano, and singing in a senior choir.  When she was in high school and college, she played the cornet and was part of the marching band.  She was a member of Senior Services for South Sound and enjoyed her time spent at the Olympia Senior Center.

 

Vivian is survived by her sons, Mark Johnson and Justin (Rachel) Johnson; daughter, Lisa (Kyle) Jutte; grandsons, Bjorn Johnson, Graham Johnson, and Dax Jutte; brothers, Dennis Schmidt and LeAlan Schmidt; and sister, Brenda (Roger) Colson.  She was predeceased by her parents.

 

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

 

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