Vivian Anderson’s spirit left her body on May 22, 2016, in Mazama, Wash., at the age of 96, following a wonderful life. Her goal was to receive a free birthday cake on her 100th birthday, a goal she did not obtain. Family and friends celebrate her life and miss her ever-present love and humor.
Vivian was born in Friday Harbor on Sept. 14, 1919, to George and Mary Jane Wilson.
She graduated from Friday Harbor High School as valedictorian in 1937 and was the last surviving member of her class.
She served as a civilian volunteer in the Coastal Lookout System in Oak Harbor following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Vivian attended beauty school in Cashmere and opened Vivi Ann’s Beauty Shop on Pine Street in Mount Vernon.
Vivian married Dean Anderson at her home in Friday Harbor on Sept. 13, 1942, and soon, she and Dean purchased their farm on Dugualla Bay where she remained for nearly 74 years. Vivian and Dean raised horses, Angus and dairy cattle, turkeys, laying hens, oats, wheat, peas and grass seed.
Dean and his two brothers entered the business world and established the Elephant Car Washes in Seattle.
Vivian and Dean earned the respect of the community with their philanthropic generosity. They offered support to others, preserving their dignity in times of need with compassion. They patterned their lives on Dean’s belief that the most important thing to do for others was to make them feel good about themselves. Vivian was also one of the founding members of the Whidbey Allied Arts Association.
Vivian loved her family and celebrated the joy of their presence and accomplishments. She went everywhere with her miniature schnauzer Asta, her constant companion. She was an avid sports fan and loved her garden with purple flowers, travel, cooking, crafts, arts, purple nail polish and chickens. We imagine all of the chickens in heaven are happy to see their “chicken lady,” and, of course, they are all decked out in their best lavender outfits.
Vivian and Dean loved to travel and they visited Egypt, Scotland, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii and Alaska.
Vivian loved to support her grandchildren as they played soccer. Over the years she served as a sponsor for many of their teams.
Vivian is survived by two daughters and their families, Mari Deen Anderson of Titusville, Fla.; grandson John Milanoski (Sophie Fipps); great-grandchildren, Jessica Fipps (Jay West) and Colton Fipps, Kiley, Hunter and Jaxon Milanoski; and great-great-grandchild Ethan West; great-granddaughter Amirah Milanoski, daughter of Karl Milanoski and Sabina Boehm; grandson Max Anderson (Jacqueline Munsell); great-grandson Milo Anderson; daughter Bonnie Newkirk and her three children; Jason and Kim Newkirk and their children Keira and Jaeger; as well as two additional grandsons and one great-grandson.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband and lifelong companion Dean G. Anderson; her parents George and Mary Jane Wilson; sister Marilyn Violet Wilson; brothers Elmer George Wilson and Wilfred Alan (Bud) Wilson; granddaughter Laurie Suzanne Milanoski; and grandson Karl M. Milanoski.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, Oak Harbor, with Gary Wallin as certified life celebrant officiating. Light refreshments will be served following the services. Private family graveside services will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Please visit Vivian’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wall infuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Memorials may to made to the First United Methodist Church, The Alzheimer’s Foundation or a favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, WA.
