Vivian Patricia Beres (nee Levandusky) (September 3, 1928-August 22, 2020)
Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Beres, M.D., infant daughter, Jeanie, and infant son, Billy; loving mother of Jim (Kim), Ken (Patty), and Bob (Maile); beloved Grams/Busia to Jonathan, Will, and Vivian; Vivian P. Beres passed away peacefully with her family at home in Brookfield at the age of 91.
Born in Waukegan, IL to Andrew and Irma (nee Hieden) Levandusky, Vivian was the youngest of three daughters. She attended Carthage College (then in Illinois), and was honored as homecoming queen. She then moved to Chicago to study nursing at Presbyterian Hospital, becoming head nurse for the outpatient department.
Vivian married the love of her life, Joe, on August 8, 1953. Vivian dedicated herself to family and nurtured a warm, loving home. She provided pillars of support for her husband’s career and sons’ education.
Vivian spent innumerable hours volunteering with the Women’s Auxiliary at the Milwaukee County Hospital. She particularly enjoyed her work on the premature infant unit as well as organizing and staffing the hospital’s gift shop. Many life-long friendships developed from those experiences. She also had an entrepreneurial spirit, growing and selling yarrow to local florists.
Vivian’s Catholic faith was the bedrock of her life. She was devoted to the Church and prayed the rosary daily. Always serene in appearance, she looked most beautiful in her favorite color, the Marian blue of the Holy Mother. She remained active in the Church and was a regular in The Firm Believers exercise group at St. John Vianney Church.
Vivian was known for her optimistic outlook; even on a challenging day she would always point out that the sun was shining.
Visitation: St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 9–11 am September 4, 2020, followed immediately by funeral Mass at 11 am. A private family burial will take place following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Camp Long Lake Potawatomi Area Council BSA, or a charity of your choice.
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